Since being introduced in the 1800’s mouthwash has been an important part of many people’s day-to-day activity – and with good reason.
It freshens your breath, keeps gums healthy, and gets rid of cavities, what more can you want? Meanwhile, there is the saying that goes “Too much of a good thing, can become a bad thing,” and when it comes to mouthwash this is exactly the case.
While there are several benefits that come with the product, there are also negative side effects that can cause discomfort.
In this article we will focus on the pros and cons of mouthwash as specified by Milltown dental, a well-known website specializing in dental care.
Pros of mouthwash
- Healthy gums: The buildup of bacteria can cause irritation and inflammation of your gums. This can develop into serious periodontal disease. Mouthwash can help kill harmful bacteria for healthier gums.
- Healthier teeth: Antibacterial mouthwash can kill bacteria to help prevent tooth decay.
- Fresh breath.
- Strengthen enamel: Some mouthwashes contain enamel-strengthening ingredients which will help keep your teeth more resistant to decay.
Cons of Mouthwash
- Oral cancer: Some studies have shown that mouthwashes containing alcohol can have a negative effect on soft tissue in the mouth. This has been tied to oral cancer, however according to several other websites including, Australia Fair Dental, it is still an ongoing investigation.
- Irritation: For some people, alcohol produces an unpleasant burning effect, which can slow the healing of ulcers and canker sores.
- Salt: Mouthwashes containing sodium lauryl sulphate actually are a source of sodium. For those on a low sodium diet, this can be problematic if the mouthwash is swallowed.
- Killing good bacteria: Good bacteria? Yes, good bacteria acts as a natural defense to fight pathogens. When you use mouthwash that are considered “antiseptic” or “antibacterial”, they kill bacteria indiscriminately. This means they are killing both the good and bad bacteria in your mouth.
According to Milltown Dental, the experiences that you have with mouth washing have a lot to do with the type of product you use. It is therefore important to use the correct product for its correct purpose. For example, if you are attempting to prevent tooth decay the best option is to use one that contains fluoride. In the case of infection, one that contains antiseptic properties would be the ideal choice.
Also see: Why you should do a colon cleanse
