Rinsing the mouth with mouthwash has become a common practice. Some do it as a continuation of a recent dental treatment, some others to keep their breath fresh and prevent tooth decay and the likes.
However, it would interest you to know that mouthwash has some risks associated with it. Let us take a look at some of them:
- Although rinsing with mouthwash is part of dental care, it can be a masquerade for bad oral hygiene and this is very bad in the long term as it does not exactly fight the problem. So, mouthwash can be used but in moderation and should not replace basic oral hygiene processes like brushing twice daily, flossing, regular visits to the dentists.
- Mouthwash is very harmful to kids when ingested. Since kids are very prone to ingesting mouthwash during use, the use of mouthwash in kids should be supervised.
- Chlorhexidine gluconate is a common ingredient in most mouthwash and although is very helpful in combating bacterial growth, it may also lead to teeth discoloration.
There is no doubt that mouthwash can be used to heal canker sores however when the alcohol content in the mouth wash is high, it can further irritate the sores rather than heal them. Mouthwash that is high in alcohol can also cause damage to the delicate mucus membranes in the mouth. So when you used mouthwash, ensure the alcohol content is not so high. Your dentist can help in picking out a good one.
So if you must use a mouthwash, a few basic guidelines….
It should not be substituted for your oral hygiene processes such as brushing and flossing. In fact, before using mouthwash, It is advisable to brush and floss first.
Do not exceed the prescribed amount. Stick to the dosage in the labels or prescribed amount religiously. Also, do not rinse for unnecessarily longer time.
Be sure to spit out ALL of the mouthwash rinse when you are done rinsing especially if you are supervising a child to avoid ingestion.
I would like to know though, what do you think: Mouthwash or nah? Any experiences or stories, lets chat in the comment box below!
