Although many people use mouthwash to freshen their breath or help fight cavities and gum disease, mouthwash may do more harm than good. Over-the-counter (OTC) rinses only mask bad breath and don’t really address the cause of the problem. Because one of the main ingredients in OTC mouthwash is alcohol, frequent use can result in dry mouth and other unpleasant side effects like a burning sensation in your mouth or intoxication when ingested. Some people consider mouthwash a substitute for brushing and flossing, which can lead to a greater risk for oral health problems such as cavities and gum disease.

Research studies in both Brazil and Australia have identified an increased risk of oral cancer with excessive use of mouthwash. These studies found that mouthwash users were about nine times more likely to develop oral cancer. The ethanol, or pure alcohol, found in many OTC mouthwashes may damage the lining of the mouth and allow cancer-causing agents to more easily cause problems. As well, acetaldehyde, a toxic by-product of alcohol, may build up in the mouth and lead to increased risk of oral cancer. An alternative to OTC mouthwash can be mixing half a teaspoon of baking soda in one-fourth a cup of water.

In some cases, your dentist may prescribe an antibacterial mouthwash or rinse. Patients with more serious problems like extensive decay or periodontal disease may benefit from using this type of rinse. These products differ from OTC mouthwashes because they contain anti-plaque, anti gingivitis, or anti-cavity fluoride ingredients and can only be obtained through your dentist.

We care about your dental health at Comfort Dental – give us a call to schedule an appointment today at our Weymouth MA dental office!