Originally Posted by Bryanna

Hi Melody,

Many dentists typically suggest a mouthwash that is endorsed by the ADA irrelevant of what the ingredients may be. The dentists who actually read the ingredients suggest that their patients refrain from using any mouthwash that contains alcohol... dyes... and preservatives. None of these things are good for the gums and can actually cause irritation and inflammation. Alcohol also causes a decrease in the flow of saliva which makes the user more prone to decay. Alcohol has a long lasting effect on the gum tissue causing it to become very dry making the user more prone to gum disease.

Studies on mouthwash have been done in Europe for many years and it is only recently that the results of those studies have filtered through to the US. The studies confirm that mouthwash containing alcohol predispose the user to oral cancer irrelevant of whether that person smokes or not. If they do smoke, the oral cancer rate increases. Again, it is due to the fact that alcohol is a drying agent which reduces the salivary flow, excessively dries the gum and oral tissue resulting in chronic irritation and inflammation.

The mouth has over 400+ strains of bacteria... both good and bad and that's the way it's suppose to be. The idea with using mouthwash is basically a temporary means of freshening ones breath but if it contains alcohol, it actually causes halitosis more quickly than if it weren't used at all. The marketing claims that mouthwash can remove plaque ... etc... have never been proven. There is never any need to use any harsh chemicals in the mouth for any reason. Thorough brushing and flossing and using a tongue scraper will do the trick! If you have permanent bridgework or some moderate pocketing, then a water pik on a gentle setting in addition to brushing and flossing may be helpful. Good ole salt water or baking soda in the water pik is best for irrigating..... no need to use any thing else.

If someone finds that they have chronic bad breath and they are diligent with their oral hygiene, then they either have ill fitting dental restorations... periodontal disease.... or a digestive disorder.

If someone wants to use a mouthwash .... then an herbal based product like Toms of Maine, Jason, Spry...... all without alcohol is the safest to use.

Hope this was helpful to you!

Bryanna