Mouthwash, also known as oral rinse, is a liquid-based dental hygiene product that cleans your mouth, freshens your breath, and kills bacteria on your tongue and between your teeth. Most mouthwashes advertise their tingling sensation as a sign that the product is working.
Does the burning mean it's working? Contrary to popular belief, the burning sensation from using antibacterial mouthwash doesn't mean that it's working. The burning sensation is caused by alcohol, menthol and essential oils indicates a sensitivity to mouthwash ingredients.
It's important to rinse for at least 30 seconds.
Mouthwash burns to some people, but it won't work well unless you rinse for a good amount of time. This means it's working to kill germs and rinse away plaque.
Most of the chemicals found in mouthwash won't activate in under a minute. Brush and floss: Use mouthwash alongside other brushing and flossing. Remember that mouthwash gives your oral health a boost. It's not a cure for problems.
General Advice for Using Mouthwash
Swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds to a full minute. Spit out the mouthwash into the sink after this period of time.
Use a mouth rinse before bed
For an added boost to oral health, consider using a mouthwash or rinse before bed. A rinse will help to remove bacteria from your mouth and can effectively help prevent cavities.
“Unfortunately, mouthwash doesn't differentiate and kills all bacteria. As a result, mouthwash can cause harm in the long run because it can disrupt the microbiome and impede the normal functioning of your body.”
Chlorhexidine digluconate mouthwash from Corsodyl acts rapidly, killing the bacteria that cause plaque in just 30 seconds. Chlorhexidine digluconate is an antibacterial ingredient that fatally damages bacterial cell walls in just 30 seconds.
It is not recommended to rinse your mouth with water after you have just used mouthwash. This is because many mouthwashes contain ingredients such as fluoride that need time to start working. If you rinse your mouth out straight after, the fluoride will also be washed away during the rinsing.
Short answer: It doesn't matter. However, if you are using a fluoride toothpaste, wait at least 30 minutes before you rinse (yes, even a fluoride one) as it'll wash away the fluoride from the toothpaste before it can do its job. If you do use a fluoride mouthwash, wait 30 minutes before you eat or drink.
Can You Overuse Mouthwash? One of the main ingredients in mouthwash is alcohol. Alcohol destroys bacteria, but it can also cause harm to your gums, inner cheeks and tongue if over used. The alcohol itself has a drying property that will absorb the moisture from your mouth and cause the affected areas to dry out.
Using a mouthwash that contains fluoride can help prevent tooth decay, but don't use mouthwash (even a fluoride one) straight after brushing your teeth or it'll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste left on your teeth. Choose a different time to use mouthwash, such as after lunch.
You can use mouthwash prior to brushing to remove any food debris and plaque build-up in your mouth to set yourself up for a good cleaning. One important thing to note is that if you're using fluoride toothpaste, don't use mouthwash for at least 30 minutes after brushing!
Some mouth rinses contain high levels of alcohol — ranging from 18 to 26 percent. This may produce a burning sensation in the cheeks, teeth, and gums. Burning can also come from consistent mouthwash use, which causes irritated mouth tissue and can lead to mouth sores.
A mouthwash that contains hydrogen peroxide and used at least twice a day for three months can significantly whiten teeth. Word of caution: avoid mouthwashes that are dark in color; the color can actually stain your teeth when the alcohol evaporates.
If it feels like your mouthwash burns the tongue or gum areas, then the most likely cause is the alcohol (ethanol) in the formulation. It's the most common agent in mouthwash responsible for that burning feeling that's typically experienced on the tongue and gums.
The Mayo Clinic recommends using mouthwash after brushing and flossing your teeth.
“By spitting toothpaste out then not rinsing with water it ensures that the fluoride found in the majority of toothpastes will remain on the teeth and continue to be effective.”
Mouthwash. According to the ADA, mouthwashes that contain bacteria-fighting ingredients like cetylpyridinium, chlorhexidine, and certain essential oils can fight plaque and tartar. It's important to note that these rinses should be used in conjunction with brushing and flossing.
Results. When compared with water, LISTERINE® Antiseptic reduced dental plaque by 22.2% and gingivitis by 28.2% at 6 months.
Colgate Total Pro-Shield is a good choice for reducing plaque buildup and for keeping breath fresh. It kills germs for up to 12 hours, even after eating meals. This mouthwash is a good choice for eliminating the germs and bacteria that cause gingivitis, which can lead to periodontitis and receding gums.
Mouthwash may actually cause more cavities
First of all, your oral microbiome exists to help support the natural remineralization of your teeth. If you kill all the bacteria in your mouth (both good and bad), you eliminate a critical part of the equation in reversing tooth decay.
Does mouthwash kill good bacteria? Mouthwash kills good AND bad bacteria. It may seem like a good idea to get rid of the bacteria in the mouth, but by killing ALL of the bacteria, it throws off the balance in our oral microbiome.
While it can depend on the specific mouthwash you use and the advice of your dentist, most mouthwashes should be used no more than twice a day. Make sure to read the label and follow the instructions.