(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)
MOUTHWASHES aka mouth rinses contain fluoride that helps get rid of bacteria in the mouth. In the process, it cleans the tongue as well and prevent bad breath.
Well and good. It is also good to know the downside, as a very interesting article published by The New York Times tells it.
The New York Times article quotes Dr. AbduKadir Mamataliev, a dentist at Deva Medical Center-Nyarutarama, saying that not all mouthwash is harmful to use.
Still, he points out, although mouthwash gets rid of bad breath, it masks the odor for just a short time while the condition remains untreated. Consult your dentist.
Overusing mouthwash can leave the mouth dry and the lack of saliva in the mouth exposes the teeth, Dr. Mamataliev says. Overuse kills good bacteria that fight disease-causing organisms, he says. As an antibacterial, mouthwash eliminates a lot of bacteria.
A mouthwash with a high alcohol content can damage the delicate mucus membranes in the mouth, he says. If and when swallowed by children six to 12 years old, they are likely to suffer from convulsion (âa general term used to describe uncontrollable muscle contractionsâ), or comatose (âa state of a coma, or being unconsciousâ), says Dr. Mamataliev.
Indeed, children younger than six should not use mouthwash at all; those over six should use it under adult supervision.
Dr. Mamataliev says certain mouthwashes contain heavy dyes that stain the teeth.
âSome studies have shown that mouthwashes containing alcohol can have a negative effect on soft tissue in the mouth,â Joan Mbabazi Joan Mbabazi writes for The New York Times. âThis has been linked to oral cancer, though more research is needed.â
Even in adults, alcohol may irritate the mouth. Non-alcoholic mouthwash is a better alternative.
Stop using mouthwash if persistent or inflamed canker sores appear, or when gums bleed after using mouthwash. Stop using it if dry mouth, pain or sensitivity occurs when you brush your teeth after using mouthwash. Or teeth staining appears.
Avoid mouth wash if you have sores in your mouth, have a compromised immune system, or youâre currently undergoing chemotherapy, writes Ms. Mbabazi.
The New York Times says the length of time it takes to use the mouthwash (usually about 30 seconds) should follow what is indicated on the label or as recommended by the dentist.
Use a mouthwash after brushing and flossing the teeth, Dr. Mamataliev says. Use the right amount of mouthwash as indicated on the label or as prescribed by the dentist. Swirl the mouthwash around the a closed mouth carefully and teeth somewhat apart as you rinse.
Spit out all of the mouthwash after rinsing.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com./PN
