Is mouthwash good or bad?

Antibacterial mouthwash, against bad bacteria. Right?

When you use mouthwash every morning or evening after brushing, you immediately get fresh breath and a clean mouth. It is widely known that mouthwash can help combat bacteria and gum inflammation and protect tooth enamel. You might think it's all benefits. But what makes this refreshing liquid so effective? Does mouthwash actually contain active ingredients that could be harmful? We have looked into the pros and cons for you.

Benefits of mouthwash:

For your daily oral care, it is necessary to use a mouthwash containing a saline solution or a fluoride rinse. When used correctly, this allows you to optimally clean your teeth. This, in turn, results in:

• Healthy gums;
• Reduction of dental plaque;
• Fresh breath;
• Whiter teeth;
• Less sensitive teeth;
• Cleaning hard-to-reach places, where you with your toothbrush or dental floss cannot reach (for example, if you wear braces);
• Less frequent dry mouth (for example: as a result of insufficient saliva production due to medication or illness).

This removes even more bacteria, and you will notice the difference: a fresh, healthy mouth!

But what are the disadvantages, then?

Although mouthwash can kill many bacteria in your mouth, it is discouraged by many dentists. This is because the benefits do not outweigh the disadvantages. Most mouth rinses contain harmful substances, such as:

• Alcohol;
• Fluoride;
• Sodium lauryl sulfate;
• Chlorhexidine.

These corrosive substances can have a negative effect on your overall health. For good oral care, you definitely want to avoid these types of substances. The disadvantages are:

• The caustic substances in the mouthwash kill not only the bad bacteria, but also the good bacteria;
• The alcohol in the mouthwash has a drying effect. This can disrupt the natural balance in your mouth;
• Multiple studies have even shown that prolonged use of mouthwash can lead to an increased risk of oral cancer. That is quite a shock!

So what can I do about my bad breath?

Do you often suffer from bad breath, inflamed gums, or have trouble cleaning the small spaces between your teeth? Then you can hardly do without mouthwash. It is understandable that you are now seriously hesitating after reading all the pros and cons. After all, your health comes first. We have searched for effective mouthwash for you that naturally cares for your gums and combats bad breath.

Mouthwash always helps me with inflamed and bleeding gums. What now?

If you are always used to using mouthwash to combat bleeding or inflamed gums, If so, you can hardly do without mouthwash. Fortunately, alternatives exist with natural ingredients. These alternatives are suitable for daily use but have no harmful effect on your teeth. And even more importantly: your health is not compromised!

• Alcohol-free mouthwash:
  • The right mouthwash contains no alcohol. Ingredients such as active oxygen, zinc lactate, and aloe vera make for the best mouth rinse. The combination of zinc and oxygen provides an antibacterial effect. The advantage of these substances is that you can combat gum inflammation and get fresh breath without negative side effects.
• Sea salt water:
  • Sea salt has a disinfectant effect.

In short, the best anti-inflammatory mouthwash for fresh breath is therefore an alcohol-free mouthwash!

Do you still have questions about mouthwash?

Would you like to know more about your daily oral care or how best to use mouthwash? Then please contact us. with your dentist. You can reach us both by phone and via our email address. We are happy to help you!