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Oral care product commercials often show a smiling individual following a series of steps in their oral care routine: brushing, flossing, and then finishing with a swish of brightly-colored mouthwash. From childhood, we are conditioned by marketing that mouthwash is a normal step in the oral care regimen of every household. But what if we told you that mouthwash may not be right for everyone? We also pose the question: Is mouthwash even necessary at all for oral health?
Many people really enjoy using mouthwash – who doesn’t love fresh breath? It also offers benefits for the health of your mouth, and some can even help whiten your teeth! Clearly mouthwash has many positive attributes to recommend it, but it doesn’t come without complications. Unfortunately, the question: Is mouthwash good for you? does not have a black and white answer. The use of mouthwash and how often to use it depends on your personal circumstances. Check out our list of pros and cons for using mouthwash to see if using it is right for you:
PROS:
- It can help fight cavities.
- Since mouthwash is a liquid, it can help wash away any remaining debris and kill bacteria left on your teeth after brushing and flossing. Many mouthwashes also contain fluoride, which helps with the remineralization and strengthening of your tooth enamel.
- It keeps your gums healthy.
- Anti-plaque mouthwash can help stop the growth of bacteria near the gum line, which will reduce inflammation and your risk of developing periodontal disease, like gingivitis.
- It freshens your breath.
- Mouthwash can be a great way to wash away the stench of a smelly meal, giving you the confidence you need to go back into work or any social situation you are attending with the assurance that your breath smells fantastic.
- It can provide extra protection for your teeth in pregnancy.
- The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology conducted a study and found that pregnant women who used antibacterial mouthwash were more protected against the bacteria that can cause periodontal diseases and thus were less likely to go into early labor, which could lead to low birth weight in infants.
CONS:
- It may cause further irritation or sensitivity.
- Strong mouthwashes that contain alcohol can cause irritation in the mouth and also slow the healing of ulcers.
- Accidental consumption can be harmful.
- Many mouthwashes contain ingredients that can be toxic if they are accidentally ingested. We do not recommend the use of mouthwash for children under the age of 6.
- May cause dry mouth.
- Alcohol in some mouthwashes can make a dry mouth even worse. A reduction in saliva leaves you vulnerable to cavities and infections forming.
- It can mask potential oral health issues.
- Although fresh breath is a wonderful benefit of mouthwash, it could be masking something more sinister. If you suffer from chronic halitosis, using mouthwash is covering up the problem instead of getting to the root cause of what’s causing it. It’s important to consult with your dentist on what underlying conditions may be causing your bad breath, and discuss the best way to treat it.
- It has been linked to oral cancer.
- Mouthwashes that contain alcohol and synthetic ingredients have been linked to an elevated risk of head and neck cancers in people that regularly use it, compared to those who never use mouthwash.
- May disrupt your healthy oral microbiome.
- Mouthwash kills all bacteria in the mouth, even good bacteria that help break down food and keep your gums and teeth healthy. Killing the good bacteria could lessen your natural ability to fight pathogens.
We hope this list helped make it easier to decide what your personal preference on using mouthwash is. If used, we recommend waiting 30 minutes after you brush your teeth so it doesn’t cancel out the benefits of your toothpaste, and don’t rinse with water after swishing. There are also other alternatives to mouthwash such as: salt-water rinses, oil pulling, or essential oils. It’s up to you as a bio-individual to weigh the pros and cons of using mouthwash and decide if it’s right for you.
Just remember, mouthwash is no substitute for brushing and flossing every day. If you suspect that you have a deeper issue going on with your oral health, please discuss it with your dentist. Schedule an appointment with us at Simply Smiles, and we would love to discuss which oral care routine would be best for your individual needs. There are more ways than one to get the fresh breath you want!
Sources:
https://www.rifkindental.com/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-using-mouthwash
https://www.dalianiknamdds.com/blog/mouthwash-pros-and-cons/
https://www.milltowndental.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-mouthwash/
https://www.mgadental.com.au/does-mouthwash-work/