We have all seen the adverts ’’In just 30 seconds your mouth will be healthy, get rid of all bad bacteria, and get that breath smelling like wonders!’’
However… that’s not always the full story!
Apart from a great marketing campaign, it is essential to know that mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing your teeth. The promises of a speedy choice using a mouthwash can’t always live up to the claims issued in paid ads and on labels. But the commercial ones can make our oral and dental health issues even worse.
What does science tell us?
A study conducted in 2019 by the Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA underlines that conventional dental science does not agree with the significance of mouthwash.
In comparison with conventional broad-spectrum mouthwashes, remodelling of the dental plaque community is likely to have unique benefits, as the surviving, intact community is suitable for preventing the reinfections by pathogens
Simply put, it means that the mouthwash and the commercial options out there for preventing and healing dental issues do not work the way they should work – except for a few selected options.
What problems can I face using a commercial mouthwash?
Many manufacturers are aware of the acidic and low pH levels their brands carry. The acidic mouthwash (with a pH below 5.5) has a potential erosive and demineralization effect on the enamel. That can result in significant problems such as:
Wreck the oral microbiome
Dry out your mouth
Don’t prevent the bad breath
Mouthwash ingredients to avoid
As we have seen, a lot of mouthwashes can result in several issues, basically due to the ingredients presented in them. Some of those ingredients are:
High levels of alcohol
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Parabens
Poloxamer 407
High levels of chloride dioxide
Formaldehyde
Saccharin
What mouthwashes should I consider?
Using mouthwash is not a mandatory step of our oral routine as long as mechanical cleaning is done (the brush and the floss), unless your dentist or dental hygienist detected gingivitis or periodontitis. However, if you are missing the “ocean breeze freshness” in your mouth, some mouthwashes can have a positive effect on your oral cavity.
Here are some different selections of mouthwashes having a basic pH level that does not have an erosive effect on the enamel:
CariFree CT x 3 Rinse (8.33 pH)
TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse (8.2 pH)
Periosciences Antioxidant Oral Care System (7.75 pH)
ACT Anti-cavity Fluoride Rinse (7.95 pH)
The Original Activated Dual-Solution Breath Rinse (7.11 pH)
These mouthwash selections can be found in pharmaceutical and organic healthy retailers. You may also find them on online platforms such as Amazon.
Next time you are out shopping for a mouthwash, ask your dentist for advice or try to research before jumping on the commercial train.
All information mentioned here is supported by scientific evidence.
If you would like to get a full dental analysis - Contact our expert team today.
Secondary source educational information gathered by the author.
About ConfiDent ® Palm Dental Clinic.
State-of-the-art restorative and cosmetic dental practice awarded Leading Implant Center in GCC and the Middle East.
Our premium class practice uses sophisticated and precision-engineered German-made technology that helps us to perform all treatments at the highest level.
ConfiDent® Dental Surgery Clinic is located right in the center of the Palm Jumeirah, inside the Golden Mile Galleria Mall, building 8 on the mezzanine floor.