Most Mouthwashes Just Don’t Wash
Whether it's to mask bad breath, fight cavities or prevent the buildup of plaque, mouth washes or rinses serve a variety of purposes. Or so we think!
Though they may leave your mouth with a clean, fresh taste, some rinses can be harmful, concealing bad breath and unpleasant taste that may be signs of serious periodontal diseases which cause inflammation and degeneration of the supporting structures of the teeth, and tooth decay.
Most over-the-counter (OTC) mouth washes, while they may be effective oral antiseptics that freshen the mouth and curb bad breath for a few hours; have limited success in helping prevent tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontal disease. Many of these OTC mouth rinses aren't much more effective against plaque and periodontal disease than rinsing with plain water.
What's more, there can be side effects to using mouth washes. Most OTC mouth washes contain five standard components: water, a flavoring agent, astringents to provide a pleasant sensation and shrink tissues; a bacteria fighting ingredient, and ethyl alcohol.
Because children tend to accidently swallow mouthwashes, they should only use them under adult supervision. For a child weighing perhaps 26 pounds, as little as 5 to 10 ounces of many OTC mouthwashes containing alcohol can be potentially lethal.
Habitual use of antiseptic mouthwashes containing high levels of alcohol (18% to 26%) by adults, may produce a burning sensation in the cheeks, teeth and gums. Such mouthwashes can also cause intoxication if swallowed or used excessively.
You can easily prepare several safe and inexpensive alternatives to brand-name mouth washes at home: A saline solution rinse containing Yo! tsp. of salt mixed with 8 ounces of water, or a stronger solution using Yo! tsp. of salt mixed with 4 ounces of water. There's also a sodium bicarbonate solution that can be mixed using Yo! tsp. of baking soda with 8 ounces of water. Using a mouth wash or rinse is not an acceptable substitute for a proper home care regimen which includes brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, followed by flossing, along with routine trips to the dentist for regular check-ups.
Therapeutic mouth rinses (containing more concentrated formulas) prescribed by the dentist for those patients with more severe oral problems such as caries, periodontal disease, gum inflammation and dry mouth differ from commercial (brand-name) OTC products because they are made with specific anti-plaque; anti gingivitis or anti-cavity fluoride ingredients, and are available by prescription only.
April 14, 2008Dental News0
