People ask us health questions all the time. They know that we’ve either written a blog about it or we’re happy to look into it. And we never laugh at questions. The most absurd-sounding statements can turn out to be true, and the most preposterous advice can be sound. So, we never dismiss something out of hand.
We were recently asked if mouthwash is bad for your mouth. The answer depends on what mouthwash you’re using and how frequently you swish. Right off the bat, our advice is to stick with the routine your dentist recommended. Each person’s oral health needs are different. So, while we can talk in general terms, your needs are different.
Dr. Purnima Kumar, a professor of periodontics and oral medicine at the Univ. of Michigan School of Dentistry, said any OTC mouthwash used occasionally is unlikely to harm your health. But using an antibacterial mouthwash twice a day for years could cause issues.
“Do I have a bottle of mouthwash next to my toothbrush? Absolutely. But do I use it every day? Certainly not,” Dr. Kumar said.
Some antiseptic mouthwashes may alter the oral microbiome and its normal functions. In a study, people who used antiseptic mouthwash twice a day for seven days had more acidic mouthes and fewer oral bacteria linked to healthy blood pressure.
Dr. Richard Nejat, a periodontist, said it’s better to avoid long-term use of antibacterial mouthwashes unless you’re treating specific issues. Constant mouthwash use has been linked to a higher risk of blood sugar concerns and high blood sugar.
Dentists say that, if you need to use mouthwash, using one that focuses specifically on your problem and only using it for a short time may aid your oral health. If you are concerned about cavities, a rinse with fluoride may help. Someone suffering from dry mouth may benefit from a mouthwash that emulates saliva or stimulates its production.
The mouth isn’t a sterile place. You have over 700 strains of bacteria in your mouth. Most of them are helpful. That microbiome is essential for good health. While swishing and spitting can be beneficial, swishing with water or something else that doesn’t kill the microbiome may be better.
Even mouthwashes that aren’t antibacterial are often alcohol based. It kills off microbes. It can damage the mouth’s microbiome. It can also dry out the mouth and harm tissue. And shelf-stabilizing ingredients in mouthwashes can lower the pH and make them acidic and harsher on enamel.
Rinsing with saltwater, baking soda rinses and other mouthwashes that don’t harm the teeth or oral bacteria can be a great way to make sure you have nothing lingering between your teeth, that your mouth is thoroughly rinsed and that your teeth feel cleaner.
