Is Mouthwash Effective? Should I Consider an Alternative?

At our dental office in Cincinnati, we tell you to brush. We tell you to floss. We hope you’ll do it. We know you’re doing your very best.

But do you really need to rinse with mouthwash too? What’s the point? Does it have any benefits?

The short answer is YES! Mouthwash can reach all areas of your mouth — places a brush and even floss cannot. This includes the roof of your mouth, your tongue, in between your teeth, and hard-to-reach back teeth. Mouthwash destroys the bacteria that cause plaque and bad breath, helps remineralize soft spots, soothes gum pain, and can make your teeth whiter. For many people, using a daily mouthwash is an important step in their oral hygiene.

But there are some important things to know about.

What Should I Be Concerned About?

The catch is that most mouthwashes contain ethyl alcohol and fluoride, both of which pose some concerns. Alcohol has a drying property that can interrupt saliva production and worsen dry mouth. Also, the alcohol content in mouthwash is high and can pose a problem for recovering alcoholics.

Although fluoride can strengthen tooth enamel and reduce decay, exposure should be considered. You may already get enough fluoride from your water and toothpaste, so an added mouthwash may cause overexposure. We recommend using mouthwash no more than once a day after brushing, either in the morning or at night. Children under six should not use mouthwash containing fluoride unless recommended by their dentist.

Some people may be sensitive to other ingredients in mouthwash, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a foaming agent common in mouthwashes and toothpastes. This can cause dryness or cracking on the lips and corners of the mouth. It can also irritate your mouth, especially if you are prone to cancer sores.

Alternatives to Mouthwash

For people sensitive to SLS, fluoride, or alcohol, there are now mouthwash formulas available without these additives. Those with chronic dry mouth may wish to use an alcohol-free version that contains xylitol, aloe vera, or glycerin — ingredients that help encourage moisture in the mouth. There are also fluoride and SLS-free mouthwashes.

You might consider natural alternatives to traditional mouthwashes. You can try rinsing with warm salt water a few times per week. Rinsing with tea tree oil formulas, such as Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Mouthwash, can also be beneficial. Another great choice is TheraNeem Mouthwash, which uses natural extracts from Neem bark, Neem leaf, and clove oil. You can also make your own effective natural mouthwash by mixing water and baking soda.

You Don’t Have to Guess

Choosing the right care for your teeth shouldn’t be a guessing game. Our family dentists are happy to meet with you right here in Cincinnati to help you find the right products.