Mouthwash: Is it good? Several doctors recommend it to combat bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. It even comes in a variety of flavors so that one can get a fresh, non-foul-smelling breath. Mouthwash is usually a good addition to an oral care routine due to its many health benefits.
There are several different kinds of mouthwash, but mouthwash generally falls under two categories: cosmetic and therapeutic. Cosmetic mouth rinse is meant to mask bad breath and it does not provide long-lasting effects. Therapeutic mouth rinse is meant to target bad breath, reduce and control plaque, prevent tooth decay, and treat gingivitis.
Certain kinds of mouthwash, particularly those containing fluoride and those labeled as antibacterial, are good at eliminating bacteria in one’s mouth. While this can be good, as an excess of bad bacteria on one’s gums and teeth leads to rot and inflammation of the gums, mouthwash usually eliminates all the bacteria in the mouth. This means the good bacteria as well. Mouthwash that targets bacteria indiscriminately destroys all bacteria, which in turn can throw off the oral microbiome as it eliminates the good bacteria. Good bacteria is a natural defense to fight off pathogens. Destroying good bacteria reduces the body’s immunity.
Other kinds of mouthwash are deemed antiseptic, as they include alcohol to target bacterial growth. A few common mouthwashes containing alcohol have about a 14% to 26.9% alcohol level, whilst a beer or wine may only contain between 3% and 4%. Children under six are not recommended to use mouthwash, especially because so many tend to accidentally swallow whilst using it. This leads to side effects such as intoxication, considering the high amount of ethanol and alcohol in leading mouthwash brands. Mouthwash also contains harmful chemicals, some of those being hydrogen peroxide and methyl salicylate, which can be dangerous to ingest in large amounts.
Those are just a few cons of using mouth rinse in a daily oral health care routine. It has its upsides as well. The main upside of using mouthwash is that it strengthens teeth and kills the bacteria that cause cavities. It is also helpful in removing extra food debris stuck in between the teeth that floss might not have been able to get rid of. Fluoride mouthwash is also helpful in reducing overall teeth sensitivity.
Mouthwash, in some cases, is beneficial for taking good care of one’s mouth. It has its downsides as well as its good aspects, as with most health products on the shelves. However, it really is not necessary for good oral hygiene. If one brushes and flosses regularly, as well as visits the dentist, their gums and teeth should be in prime condition.