The Great Mouthwash Debate: Does it Really Work?
- wagnerdental01
- Jan 24
- 7 min read
We're here to give some insight into how mouthwash actually effects your oral health!
We know how overwhelming it can be to stand in the oral care aisle and try to choose from the wall of mouthwash products.
Non-Alcoholic? High Strength? All Natural? Minty or Sweet? So many choices!! And does it even work? Is brushing and flossing enough? Is it bad for your gums? What about for the kids? It's all too much.
Fear not; we're here to help! We'll guide you through the different types to choose from, the benefits and cons of mouthwash, as well as their effects on children's oral health.
Types of Mouthwash
Mouthwash comes in many different forms, designed for a variety of oral health conditions. They can be primarily broken down into two categories:
Cosmetic Mouthwash: Cosmetic mouthwash is mainly used to freshen breath. It's a temporary measure that works similarly to other breath fresheners like mints or gum, and is great to refresh your breath while you're out during the day.
Therapeutic Mouthwash: Therapeutic mouthwash also freshens your breath, but is designed to target different issues that may be contributing to bad breath, or to alleviate oral health problems such as tooth sensitivity or staining.
Types of Therapeutic Mouthwash:
Antibacterial Mouthwash
Antibacterial mouthwash is designed to neutralise bacteria that can contribute to plaque build up, gingivitis, and bad breath. This is the most common go-to mouthwash you'll see on the shelves.
Fluoride Mouthwash
Fluoride mouthwash contains - you guessed it, fluoride. It's designed to help strengthen tooth enamel to help prevent cavities. Most regular antiseptic mouthwashes will contain fluoride, but higher-concentrated products sold by dentists and pharmacies are designed for people with a predisposition to high levels of decay.
Antiseptic Mouthwash
Antiseptic mouthwash works similarly to antibacterial mouthwashes, however, it is much stronger. These products are often recommended by dentists for specific cases, with some types being available in pharmacy and others requiring a prescription. They are usually not suited for long-term use.
Whitening Mouthwash
Whitening mouthwashes are designed to remove surface stains over time to brighten teeth. These mouthwashes can work for simple surface stains, however, professional whitening procedures at a dental clinic will provide much better results. They are a great option to accompany other whitening treatments, or for subtle, more affordable teeth whitening at home.
Alcohol-Free Mouthwash
Alcohol-free options provide the benefits of therapeutic mouthwash without the harshness of alcohol. They often contain fluoride and some provide whitening as well. This option is ideal for people with a sensitivity to alcohol, those who cannot consume it, or who experience dry mouth due to alcohol-based mouthwashes
Natural or Herbal Mouthwash
Natural mouthwashes offers oral health benefits with natural ingredients, often free of alcohol, fluoride, artificial preservatives, or chemicals. They may reduce bacteria and soothe inflammation, but mainly freshen breath. It's a great option for those who prefer holistic or natural oral care products.
Dry Mouth Mouthwash
Dry Mouth mouthwash provides relief for people who experience dry mouth, by moisturizing the oral tissues and stimulating saliva production. It's a great option to alleviate discomfort, help prevent cavities and to keep the mouth hydrated. It's recommended for those with dry mouth due to medications, radiation therapy, or medical conditions.
Prescription Mouthwash
Prescribed mouthwashes are used to treat more serious oral health conditions and are often prescribed by a dentist. They target severe gum disease, inflammation, or infection after dental surgery. They're usually a temporary measure and can be harmful if used for an extended period, unless advised otherwise by a dentist.
Desensitizing Mouthwash
Desensitizing mouthwash helps to alleviate tooth sensitivity by desensitizing the nerves in the teeth. It works similarly to sensitive toothpaste, reducing sensitivity to cold, hot, or sweet stimuli by blocking the transmission of nerve signals.
Benefits of Mouthwash
Mouthwash can provide many benefits and can be a great addition to your oral health care routine! But, it's important to still brush and floss - think of mouthwash like the cherry on top. A good sundae doesn't need a cherry, but it definitely makes it better!
Freshens Breath
One of the most immediate benefits of using mouthwash is fresher breath. Mouthwashes can temporarily mask bad odors caused by bacteria in the mouth.
Helps to Reduce Plaque
Mouthwashes containing antibacterial agents can help reduce the build up of plaque on your teeth and gums. By controlling plaque, mouthwash can help prevent gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease.
Strengthens Teeth
Mouthwashes containing fluoride can help strengthen tooth enamel, making teeth more resistant to decay. Regular use can help reduce the risk of cavities, especially in areas that brushing and flossing might miss.
Can Whiten Teeth
Some mouthwashes contain whitening agents that help remove surface stains on teeth, contributing to a brighter smile over time. While not as effective as professional whitening treatments, they can complement other whitening methods.
Promotes Overall Oral Health
Mouthwash can reach areas of the mouth that brushing and flossing might miss, such as the back of the tongue and around the gums. This comprehensive approach helps maintain overall oral hygiene and health.
Soothes Mouth Sores and Irritation
Certain therapeutic mouthwashes contain ingredients that can help soothe minor mouth irritations, such as ulcers, by reducing inflammation.
Reduces Risk of Respiratory Infections
By decreasing the bacterial load in the mouth and throat, mouthwash may lower the risk of respiratory infections, including pneumonia, especially for people with compromised immune systems.
Supports Dry Mouth Management
Mouthwashes formulated for dry mouth can provide relief by moisturizing the oral tissues, alleviating discomfort, and reducing the risk of dental issues associated with decreased saliva production.
Cons to Consider
While mouthwash can provide a lot of benefits, there are definitely some cons to think about before implementing it into your routine.
Can Mask Underlying Oral Health Issues
Mouthwash may temporarily mask bad breath without addressing the root cause, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or infections. This can delay treatment of more serious oral health problems.
Can Cause Dry Mouth
Many mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can cause dry mouth by reducing saliva production. Saliva plays a critical role in neutralizing acids, washing away food particles, and remineralising tooth enamel, so a decrease in saliva can lead to a higher risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Potential for Irritation
Alcohol-based or highly concentrated mouthwashes can irritate the soft tissues in the mouth, especially for people with sensitive gums or those prone to mouth ulcers. Mouthwashes can also cause a burning sensation or discomfort in the gums.
Can Disrupt the Oral Microbiome
Using mouthwash excessively or using products with strong antibacterial agents may disrupt the balance of the oral microbiome. While mouthwash kills harmful bacteria, it can also kill beneficial bacteria that help protect your mouth from infections and maintain a healthy oral environment. Consult a dentist before using higher strength mouthwash to make sure it doesn't do more harm than good.
Staining
Some therapeutic mouthwashes, particularly those containing chlorhexidine, can cause staining on the teeth and tongue with prolonged use. The stains are usually brown and can be difficult to remove, but are often just surface stains that can be removed with a professional clean.
Ineffective for Thorough Cleaning
Mouthwash is not a substitute for mechanical cleaning, like brushing and flossing. It cannot remove food particles stuck between teeth or effectively clean plaque buildup, which is the primary cause of gum disease and cavities. It should only be used as a complement to a thorough oral care routine.
Risk of Swallowing (Especially for Children)
Accidental swallowing of mouthwash can be harmful, especially for children. Mouthwashes containing alcohol, fluoride or additives such as hydrogen peroxide can be toxic in large quantities if ingested. It's important to supervise children when they use mouthwash and to use alcohol-free, child-friendly options where necessary.
Concerns over Alcohol Ingestion
According to AddictionResource.net, teenagers and alcohol addicts looking for cheap sources of unrestricted alcohol often turn to mouthwash, as alcohol based mouthwashes can lead to intoxication. However, this can cause very dangerous and potentially life-threatening side effects due to the ingestion of certain toxic ingredients. If you or a family member is at risk of drinking mouthwash, remove if from your oral health care routine, and, if needed, seek mental health assistance.
For more information, visit https://www.addictionresource.net/blog/drunk-from-mouthwash/
Mouthwash for Kids
Mouthwash can be both beneficial and potentially harmful for children, depending on several factors such as age, the type of mouthwash, and how it's used.
If you believe mouthwash would be a good addition to your child's oral health routine, visit your dentist to inquire about product type and usage guidelines based on your child's individual oral health needs.
Make sure to supervise young children when they use mouthwash, to make sure they're using it properly and not swallowing. Start with child-friendly mouthwashes first, unless otherwise advised by a dentist. Child-friendly versions usually contain safer, less irritating ingredients and milder flavours.
Age Appropriateness
Under 6 Years: For most children under the age of six, using mouthwash is generally not recommended. Young children may have difficulty spitting out the mouthwash, increasing the risk of swallowing it, which can lead to ingestion of harmful ingredients in excessive amounts.
Over 6 Years: For children older than six, mouthwash may be introduced as part of their oral hygiene routine, but it should be used under adult supervision to ensure proper use and to minimize the risk of swallowing. Most brands offer child-friendly options, with no alcohol and fewer additives.
Types of Mouthwashes for Children
Alcohol-Based Mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can be harsh for young mouths and may cause dryness or irritation. There's also a risk of accidental ingestion, which can be harmful.
Alcohol-Free Mouthwashes are generally safer for children as they reduce the risks associated with alcohol ingestion. Some are formulated specifically for kids, often with milder flavors to encourage use.
Fluoride Mouthwashes can help prevent cavities in children at high risk but should be used only under the guidance of a dentist. Excessive fluoride ingestion can lead to dental fluorosis, a condition that affects the appearance of teeth.
Benefits
Cavity Prevention: Certain mouthwashes can help reduce the risk of cavities, especially in children who are prone to tooth decay.
Fresh Breath: Mouthwash can help in maintaining fresh breath, which can be beneficial as children grow older and begin to produce more saliva.
Risks
Swallowing: The primary concern with children using mouthwash is the potential for swallowing, which can lead to dangerous side effects.
Irritation: Some ingredients in mouthwash can cause irritation to a child’s sensitive oral tissues.
While mouthwash isn't inherently bad for children, its use should be carefully considered based on the child's age, the type of mouthwash, and under professional guidance. For most young children, regular brushing and flossing, along with routine dental check-ups, are sufficient for maintaining good oral hygiene.
So, would you consider adding mouthwash into your oral health care routine? Maybe you use it already! We recommend finding a product that works well for you and using it after brushing and flossing. Like we said earlier, it's not necessary if you brush and floss well, but it definitely helps!
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