The safety of mouthwash as an oral cleansing aid has always been a concern. 3TOP, a professional mouthwash manufacturer, discusses the types of mouthwash, their efficacy, and the potential hazards of their long-term use. Mouthwashes are mainly categorized into cleansing and functional, and although they can effectively clean the oral cavity and prevent diseases, long-term use may lead to flora disorders, oral dryness and other problems. Therefore, rational use of mouthwash, combined with brushing, flossing and other oral cleaning methods, is the key to maintaining oral health.
The classification and efficacy of mouthwash
Mouthwash is mainly divided into two categories: cleaning mouthwash and functional mouthwash.
Cleansing mouthwash: mainly used for daily oral cleaning, can remove food debris and some soft tartar in the mouth, reduce the generation of plaque, and maintain fresh breath. The main ingredient of this type of mouthwash is mouth freshener, which is suitable for daily use.
Functional mouthwashes: These include medicinal mouthwashes and health care mouthwashes. Medicinal mouthwash is mainly used to assist in the treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis and other oral inflammation, with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic and other effects, need to be used under the guidance of a doctor. Health care mouthwash has the effect of removing bad breath, preventing plaque generation, etc., suitable for non-prescription purchase and use.
The safety of mouthwash
Although mouthwash has an important role in oral cleaning and disease prevention, but long-term use may also bring a series of safety issues.
Flora disturbance: Mouthwash has a bactericidal effect, and long-term use will change the oral flora environment, leading to an imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria. This will not only reduce oral immunity, but may also induce oral inflammation, mucosal ulceration and other problems.
Oral dryness: long-term use of mouthwash inhibits saliva secretion, leading to oral dryness. Saliva plays a lubricating, cleansing and protective role in the oral cavity, and its reduction increases the risk of oral diseases.
Darkening and hypertrophy of the tongue: Some mouthwashes contain substances such as hydrogen peroxide, which may lead to darkening and hypertrophy of the tongue with long-term use, affecting aesthetics and oral health.
Increase the risk of dental caries: Mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing, and long-term use without brushing may increase the risk of dental caries. This is because mouthwash can only take away large pieces of food debris and is not effective in removing plaque and tartar from between teeth.
Alcohol Risk: Some mouthwashes contain large amounts of alcohol, which may cause some health effects with long-term use. Although there are claims that alcohol may cause oral tumors, there is a lack of conclusive evidence to support this.
Suggestions for rational use of mouthwash
Moderate use: Long-term, single use is not recommended for both cleansing and functional mouthwashes. It is recommended that mouthwash be used no more than twice a day and should be replaced regularly with different types and brands of mouthwash14.
Combine with brushing: Mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing, and the habit of brushing daily in the morning and evening should be maintained to thoroughly clean the mouth.
Pay attention to the ingredients: When choosing a mouthwash, you should pay attention to whether its ingredients are suitable for your oral condition. Avoid mouthwashes that contain large amounts of alcohol or other harmful ingredients.
Apart from mouthwash, maintaining oral health requires a combination of various other methods. For example, regular visits to the dental clinic for professional checkups and teeth cleaning, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding excessive intake of sugary foods and beverages. Meanwhile, for the prevention and treatment of oral diseases, you should consult a professional doctor and follow his/her instructions. 3TOP is a mouthwash manufacturer, and a manufacturer of oral care products, you are welcome to subscribe to us, and together we will guard your oral health and enjoy a better life.
