Is Mouthwash Bad For Health? Expert Answers

Many of our bedtime routines are incomplete without brushing, followed by use of a mouthwash. While it’s always a good idea to take care of your oral hygiene, one should think twice before adding a mouthwash to their dental care routine. Many studies have, time and again, shown that mouthwashes may not be as good for our health as we think.

To get a better understanding on this topic, we reached out to Dr Raju Biswas, MDS, Dr R Ahmed Dental College & Hospital (West Bengal State Secretary Indian Dental Association). Read to know more.

Are Mouthwashes Bad For Our Health?

Firstly, we need to get this clear that mouthwash kills both good AND bad bacteria. Yes, it’s a good practice to get rid of the bad bacteria in the mouth. But killing all the bacteria may throw off the balance in our oral microbiome.

There are certain ingredients in our mouthwash that might harm your oral microbiome, such as:

• Alcohol – Kills both good and bad bacteria.
• Hydrogen peroxide – Kills all bacteria, including the cells inside your teeth.
• Chlorhexidine – This may stain your teeth, increase calculus formations, and change your taste perception.

Mouthwash May Harm Our Gut Health

Mouthwash may impact our gut negatively in the following ways:

• Reduction of Beneficial Oral Bacteria.
• Alteration of Gut Microbiota Composition.
• Reduced Nutrient Absorption.
• Disruption of Nitric Oxide Production.
• Increased Risk of Dysbiosis.

“Mouthwash is basically antibacterial - it keeps our oral hygiene in place. If our oral health is good, then our digestion will also be good. So, mouthwash may not be completely bad for our gut health,” says Dr Biswas. But he adds that one must limit its use, and most importantly, consult a specialist before adding it into their routine.

Alcohol-based Mouthwash: A Big No-no?

According to a study conducted at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium, alcohol-based mouthwash may increase the risk of conditions like gum diseases and some cancers, including colorectal cancer. This study was led by Jolein Lauman, a PhD student in the Department of Clinical Sciences. It was published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology.

“Try to avoid alcohol-based mouthwash because it may cause burning sensation, as well as changes in dental restoration; it may cause alterations in microbacterial structure of our oral cavities. There are so many good microbes in our oral cavities too, and that might be impacted by alcohol-based mouthwashes,” shares Dr Biswas.

Natural Alternatives to Mouthwash

“Some natural alternatives to mouthwash are lukewarm water. Those who do not have conditions like hypertension, they can also add salt into it,” suggests Dr Biswas.

Here are some other natural alternatives to mouthwash:

• Turmeric – Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Lemon – Can be used for its antibacterial properties.
• Clove – Has remineralizing properties.
• Essential oils – Has anti-bacterial and Anti-inflammatory properties.
• Aloe Vera Water – Can be used numbing properties.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Has natural pH neutralizer.

Also Read: How Can Alum (Phitkari) Help In Your Oral Hygiene 

The Final Word

Many studies have shown that mouthwashes, especially alcohol-based, may impact our health in various ways. One must, therefore, consult a dental professional before adding it into their daily routine.