General Dentistry Question: Should I Use Mouthwash That Has Alcohol?

general dentistry Lindenwold, NJ

When it comes to general dentistry, it is recommended that you use mouthwash as part of your daily oral hygiene regimen because it kills the germs left in your mouth after brushing. Most adults use a mouthwash that contains alcohol because they believe it kills germs more effectively than alcohol-free mouthwash.

In an effort to figure out which type of mouthwash is the most effective, we will take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of alcohol-free mouthwash and mouthwash that contains alcohol to answer the question once and for all.

Should I use a mouthwash that has alcohol?

Mouthwash that contains alcohol is popular in general dentistry because it kills most of the bacteria in your mouth and leaves your mouth feeling refreshed. However, your mouth needs both good and bad bacteria to even out your breath, so there is a possibility that the imbalance in the bacteria in your mouth can lead to bad breath.

If you have a low flow of saliva because of a medical condition or suffer from diabetes, you should avoid using a mouthwash that contains alcohol, to prevent your condition from getting worse. If you have a history of alcohol abuse, you should use alcohol-free mouthwash instead.

Which mouthwash is more effective at killing germs?

Technically, the right answer to this question is mouthwash that contains alcohol, but the reality is that alcohol-free mouthwash tends to do a better job. The general dentistry belief that alcohol-free mouthwash is more effective is because the most effective way to get rid of the bacteria in your mouth is to swish the mouthwash in your mouth long enough to kill the bacteria.

Most people who use a mouthwash that contains alcohol do not rinse their mouths out properly because the burning sensation from the alcohol makes them spit the mouthwash out prematurely. People who use alcohol-free mouthwash do not have to worry about the burning sensation and rinse their mouth for longer periods, allowing the mouthwash to properly do its job.

Can mouthwash that contains alcohol really lead to cancer?

No. There have been rumors about studies that found a link between mouthwash that contains alcohol and cancer, but there is no credible evidence. The 2014 research that has been used to further this claim concluded that the link between frequent use of mouthwash and oral cancer is not fully clarified.

Which mouthwash is safer for your teeth?

Alcohol-free mouthwash is considered to be safer for your teeth because you do not have to worry about your enamel being weakened by the alcohol in your mouthwash or your gums burning while you rinse.

When it comes to general dentistry, the type of mouthwash you use should depend on your needs. If you have sensitive teeth, avoid using a mouthwash that contains alcohol. If you have strong teeth and healthy gums and don't mind the burning sensation when you rinse your mouth, go with the mouthwash that contains alcohol.

Conclusion

Using mouthwash regularly helps reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth and strengthen your teeth. If you need help figuring out which type of mouthwash to use, ask your dentist to recommend one for you.

Request an appointment here: https://www.bgenetdds.com or call Center for Cosmetic Dentistry at (856) 282-4299 for an appointment in our Lindenwold office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

General Dentistry Facts: Different Types Of Checkups Performed At The Dentist

Looking to understand more about general dentistry? There are many different types of dentistry, each offers patients different types of treatment based on their needs. Those needing routine dental care, such as a cleaning or exam, should visit a general dentistry office. General dentistry focuses on routine dental care for patients of all ages. Learning about…

Why Your General Dentist Recommends Regular X-Rays

A general dentist is responsible for providing routine oral care to patients of all ages. Routine oral care typically involves cleanings, examinations, fluoride application, and x-rays. X-rays are typically the easiest part of routine oral care, however, they can often get skipped or overlooked. Keep reading to find out why a general dentist recommends getting…

A Fluoride Treatment From Your General Dentist Can Help Prevent New Cavities

A general dentist is the right person to go to for routine dentist appointments, which should always include a fluoride treatment. Although there are a few different kinds of dentists, a general one can provide you with regular cleanings and exams. These are important to have because they ensure that your mouth stays free of…

How To Prepare For A Professional Dental Cleaning

Done regularly, dental cleanings contributes to a person’s long-term oral health. Professional teeth cleaning removes plaque buildup, targeting hard-to-reach spots that you may miss when you brush and floss.Usually, professional dental cleaning takes place in two contexts, the first being a routine checkup. General dentists incorporate teeth cleaning into routine dental visits after they examine…

Recent Posts

What Happens During An Oral Cancer Screening?

What Happens During An Oral Cancer Screening?

Thinking about getting an oral cancer sceening? Oral cancer screenings are a very important part of general dental care as they ensure the health of patient's oral cavity. They involve a few steps that are typically painless. Understanding the process of an oral cancer screening can be helpful for patients who are not sure what…

General Dentistry: What Is A Tooth Bridge?

General Dentistry: What Is A Tooth Bridge?

Dental bridges, also referred to as tooth bridges, are one of the most common ways to restore and replace teeth. They are used within general dentistry in order to improve a person’s oral and dental functionality. In this article, we discuss what a tooth bridge is and how it functions. This information can be helpful…