[Femlex]

Hi all,

My husband is one of those people who insists on using (what I consider strong and unnecessary) mouth wash liquids. He's a fan of Listerine (he usually buys the green one, which I think is very strong).

I have been trying to talk him into not using it, since I've read that they kill both the bad and the good bacteria and could also maybe contribute to mouth or throat cancers. I am, of course, not sure what exactly is true, but I tend to be on the cautious side.

How safe are these rinses?

[Wiix]

I just dilute it with water. I use the blue one.

[Bryanna]

Femlex,

There are several issues to be concerned about when using mouthwash on a daily basis.

One: chemicals used to make mouthwash like Listerine are undeniably known to be carcinogenic. When these mouthwashes are used on a daily basis, diluted or not, they have the potential to contribute to oral cancer. They also dry out the natural secretions of the mouth contributing to xerostomia (dry mouth) and reduced salivary flow contributing to tooth decay and gum disease. Also, whatever mouthwash or toothpaste is used in the mouth is also absorbed by the oral tissue of the cheeks, palate, tongue and throat.

Two: The mouth contains over 500 different species of bacteria. The chemicals in the mouthwash cannot differentiate the good from the bad bacteria. So they kill everything. The usage eventually leaves the person with no healthy bacteria to naturally fight off offending germs.

Given the negative effects and toxicity of these products, there really is never a good reason or a good time to use these chemical laden mouthwashes. Most people are capable of brushing their teeth and even who have dexterity problems can usually use an electric tooth brush pretty well. Bathing the teeth, gums, tongue, and oral tissue in toxic chemicals does not make them clean or healthy. It destroys the beneficial bacteria to the point of no return.

People who are bedridden and in a vegetative state should be having their teeth brushed by their caretaker. Even if the brushing is not totally effective, it is better than doing nothing at all. With all the various tooth cleaning gadgets on the market, there truly is a small exception to the rule of being able to brush your teeth or having someone brush them for you.

Bryanna

Originally Posted by Femlex

Hi all,

My husband is one of those people who insists on using (what I consider strong and unnecessary) mouth wash liquids. He's a fan of Listerine (he usually buys the green one, which I think is very strong).

I have been trying to talk him into not using it, since I've read that they kill both the bad and the good bacteria and could also maybe contribute to mouth or throat cancers. I am, of course, not sure what exactly is true, but I tend to be on the cautious side.

How safe are these rinses?

[Wiix]

I only use it when I brush my tongue. The tongue gets coated and germs build up in the coating. A good brush and rinse helps. I only do this about once every two weeks or so.

[Bryanna]

Wiix,

The tongue gets coated with everything we eat and drink. It should be cleaned every day just like you would brush your teeth every day.

Also, I just want you to think about something. When you clean your tongue you are removing the debris which is a good thing to do. But you are also exposing all of the little nooks and crannies of the tongue. This in affect opens up all of those little pores to whatever it soaks in next. Do you think it's wise to then saturate your tongue with chemicals? Just throwing that out there for you to think about.

Bryanna

Originally Posted by Wiix

I only use it when I brush my tongue. The tongue gets coated and germs build up in the coating. A good brush and rinse helps. I only do this about once every two weeks or so.

[Wiix]

Diluted.

[Bryanna]

In the scheme of things, dilution of the chemicals are irrelevant.

Originally Posted by Wiix

Diluted.

[Wiix]

Then why bother?

[Bryanna]

Exactly my point.
To each his own.

Originally Posted by Wiix

Then why bother?

[Wiix]

Because it makes my mouth feel better. I don't have that sour, acrid taste in my mouth. It makes my stomach feel better too. Maybe I should do it more often.