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A mouthful on mouthwash
While you sleep, your tongue, cheeks, and salivary glands enjoy a little downtime, too, which is an open invitation to bacteria. Morning breath is the aftermath of a bacterial all-nighter. So lots of us head straight for the medicine cabinet and pop open the mouthwash.
An astringent mouthwash can help soothe teeth and gums that are sore from flossing, and the swishing action may loosen stubborn bits. But remember, plaque and tartar also build up on your teeth overnight, and you could gargle all day and not get rid of either. Brushing your teeth is the best way to clean your mouth. So have a nice gargle. But don't stop there.
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Fluoride to the Rescue
One ingredient you may want in a mouthwash is fluoride. Long recognized as one of your teeth's best friends, fluoride has an impressive track record in the war against cavities. Your toothpaste should contain it, for sure. If you're drinking fluoridated water as well, you're probably covered. But if you want a little extra protection, it wouldn't hurt to rinse with fluoride, too.
Bottom's Up
- Most mouthwash contains alcohol. It adds that fresh, tingly sensation and can contribute a little cleansing action, too. But there are also plenty of alcohol-free formulations on the market.
- If your mouth is dry to begin with, don't try to freshen it up with a mouthwash containing alcohol. Alcohol will only dehydrate you further, adding to that stale, unpleasant taste.
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Antiseptics
There are no FDA-approved antiseptics used to kill bacteria or inhibit mouth infections, although they do kill and prevent microbial growth. There are a number of conditionally approved antiseptics for oral use; the FDA has not issued a final ruling. Many antiseptics are incorporated into healthcare products to give hygienic appeal.
Demulcents
Demulcents are very similar to humectants (some humectants are demulcents and vice versa). They coat and moisten your mouth.
Astringents
Astringents pull proteins and irritants out of sweat, blood, and other liquids. This can have a soothing effect on irritated skin and help razor nicks clot faster. They produce a mild, tightening effect on the skin, but do not shrink pores.
Flavoring agents
These chemicals have strong flavors and odors. The are used to cover up the odors of bad breath. They do not stop the cause of bad breath, bacteria, or absorb the noxious odors.
| Antiseptics | Ingredient | Description |
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| SD alcohol 38B | ? | May kill microbes, but its role in preventing oral infections is not known. | | Methyl salicylate | ? | A minty-tasting compound that leaves a tingly sensation in your mouth. It is highly toxic and should not be swallowed. | | Alcohol | ? | Can kill microorganisms, but its ability to prevent oral infections is not known. | | Cetylpyridinium chloride | ? | Could act as an antimicrobial agent, but its effectiveness in preventing oral infections has not been proven. | | Eucalyptol | ? | An aromatic compound derived from eucalyptus trees. It has a cool taste. Ingesting eucalyptol oil is often fatal even in small amounts. | | Thymol | ? | Believed to have antimicobial properties, but its ability to prevent oral infections has not been proven. It has antifungal properties, smells nice, and can cause allergic reactions. | | Menthol | ? | A minty compound that leaves a tingly sensation in your mouth. It is less toxic than methyl salicylate. | | Hexylresorcinol | ? | Has antimicrobial properties, but has not been proven to prevent oral infections. It is an antiseptic that can burn the skin and cause gastrointestinal disorders. | | Domiphen bromide | ? | May kill microbes, but has not been proven to prevent oral infections. It has antiseptic properties and is relatively safe. | | Demulcents | Ingredient | Description |
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| Elm bark | ? | Extract helps lubricate and moisten mouth tissues. | | Gelatin | ? | A safe protein that protects against moisture loss. | | Glycerin | ? | Helps attract moisture, lubricate, and moisten mouth tissues. | | Pectin | ? | An emulsifying and thickening agent, it has a soothing effect. It's nontoxic and used to treat diarrhea. | | Sorbitol | ? | Also a sweet humectant that helps lubricate and moisten mouth tissues. | | Propylene glycol (PEG) | ? | Absorbs moisture. It has humectant and softener properties. | | Astringents | Ingredient | Description |
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| Alum | ? | Stops bleeding. It can damage gum tissues at high concentration and may be fatal if ingested. | | Zinc chloride | ? | In addition to being an astringent, it is also a disinfectant and antiseptic. It can be absorbed dermally and may cause irritations to the skin. | | Flavoring agents | Ingredient | Description |
|---|
| Menthol | ? | Can be purified from peppermint plants or made synthetically. It has a pleasant, minty flavor and odor. | | Methyl salicylate | ? | Also called oil of wintergreen, it has a pleasant, minty smell and flavor. Unfortunately it is highly toxic. Just 10 mL and 30 mL are toxic doses for a child and adult, respectively. | | Cinnamaldehyde | ? | Gives cinnamon its flavor and smell. |
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Appropriate Uses
Mouthwash
Freshens breath, removes debris from between teeth, and kills germs.
Prebrushing rinse
Loosens plaque and debris so they are easier to remove when brushing.
The Most Entertaining of All Personal Care Practices
- Use after brushing.
- If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a dentist.
- The gargle:
- Breathe deeply and hold your breath.
- Pour an ounce or so of mouthwash into your mouth.
- Tilt your head back, but not so far as to fall backward or make yourself dizzy.
- Keep your mouth open.
- Exhale slowly through your throat; you want the mouthwash to gurgle against the back of your throat and mouth.
- If you are musically inclined, gargle 20 seconds of your favorite aria or show tune.
- Spit the mouthwash out. Don't swallow it.
- The swish:
- Pour an ounce or so of mouthwash into your mouth.
- Close your mouth tightly.
- Force the mouthwash from side to side, cheek to cheek, flushing the teeth, tongue, and palate.
- Often you can swish enjoyable syncopated rhythms; try Latin or African percussion riffs.
- Spit the mouthwash out. Don't swallow it.
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Mouthwash is Serious Business
- Fluoride rinses may be distasteful to pregnant women or postsurgical patients.
- Cetylpyridinium chloride can cause teeth staining, a burning sensation in the mouth, and increased tartar formation.
- Chlorhexidine gluconate stains teeth and slightly increases tartar formation.
- Alcohol in mouthwash can dry mucous membranes and exacerbate dry mouth and inflammations.
- Too much fluoride can stain teeth permanently if you swallow it. Needless to say, fluoride in high doses is lethal and the other components in mouthwash are not healthy, either.
- Seek medical attention if sodium fluoride is ingested. Overdose symptoms include:
- Constipation
- Appetite loss
- Rash
- Aching bones and stiffness
- Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain
- Diarrhea or black stool
- Muscle spasms or seizures
Not to be Confused with a Beverage
- Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredient in the product.
- Do not administer to young children and infants.
- Do not ingest.
- Sodium fluoride rinses and tablets should not be used by children under age 6.
- Do not use rinses if you are:
- Pregnant
- Taking calcium supplements
- Allergic to aspirin
- Have kidney disease, ulcers, joint pain, or an underactive thyroid
- Don't use mouthwash two hours before or after drinking milk. Milk prevents the absorption of fluoride.
- Use only if your water supply contains less than 0.7 parts fluoride per million.
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Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers
Sources & Further Reading
Books
- 1. Covington, TR; RR Berardi, LL Young, SC Kendall, MJ Hickey.Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, Washington DC, 1996.
- 2. Zimmerman, DR.Zimmerman's Complete Guide to Nonprescription Drugs. Gale Research Inc., Detroit, 1993.
- 3. Knodel, LC.Nonprescription Products: Formulations & Features '98-99. Americam Pharmaceutical Association. Washington DC 1998.
Find more books on health and wellness at  barnesandnoble.com.
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