Mouthwash – novelty or necessary?

Mouthwash novelty or necessary?

Mouthwash novelty or necessary?

There are so many ads for mouthwash on TV these days, and making big claims about what their products can do for oral hygiene. None go so far as to try and say that mouthwash can replace brushing or flossing, which are still accepted as vital parts of the process, but is mouthwash as important as the manufacturers claim it is?

Take care of your smile

Some mouthwashes now contain active ingredients that can help reduce tooth decay, but the main purpose of these products remains increasing gum health and prevention of halitosis or bad breath. A mouthwash, swilled around the mouth and then gargled at the back of the throat, can get rid of the tiny bits of food that get trapped at the gum line or at the back of the mouth and are often missed by brushing. Most are pleasantly flavoured with mint which can help anyone who suffers from halitosis.

Mouthwash and alcohol?

There are various active ingredients used in mouthwash, all with long and complicated-sounding scientific names like domiphen bromide and benzalkonium chloride, with fluoride now being added to some brands to boost their plaque-fighting capabilities. Be careful about brands that add alcohol as it is actually possible to fail a breath test immediately after using mouthwash! The level returns to normal after a few minutes, but some people have actually been caught out this way.

Mouthwash related to mouth cancer?

The mouthwash industry faced a crisis in 2009 when a report in the Dental Journal of Australia claimed that some products could increase the risk of mouth cancer. This claim was disproved by a researcher with Cancer Research UK, and mouthwash lived to fight another day.

Natural alternatives

There are natural alternatives to the scientific brands on every supermarket shelf. Dissolving salt in a cup of warm water and using this as a mouthwash is an effective and time-tested remedy for minor infections or for easy discomfort after having teeth taken out. The use of herbal mouthwashes appears to be on the rise, as consumers become more aware of health issues and also more interested in so-called "green" products.

To conclude

Mouthwash is undoubtedly an important part of any oral hygiene routine. It's a pleasant way to finish up a refreshing, minty blast that often serves the double purpose of waking you up on a morning. However, the stuff should never be used as a replacement for proper brushing with a good quality toothpaste and a toothbrush with decent bristles; not one that's been sitting by the sink for six months! Flossing is equally important to remove all those annoying bits of food from between teeth and also helps keep gums healthy. Finish up the whole process with a good mouthwash and visits to the dentist should hopefully be less traumatic.

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