Why Does Traditional Mouthwash Burn?
When it comes to keeping their mouths clean, millions of Americans swear by mouthwash. There are several different very popular brands of mouthwash, and odds are good that you’ve used them at one time or another.
One of the most important things to remember about mouthwash is that you do not necessarily need to use it. However, when an appropriate type of mouthwash is used correctly, it can be a good aid to your dental hygiene routine.
Mouthwash is good for all of the following:
- Helping to get between teeth and into areas that you’ve recently flossed.
- Helping to cleanse soft tissue, such as the tissue of the palate and tongue.
- Helping to strengthen the enamel of the teeth before or after brushing.
One thing you might wonder about is why it seems like mouthwash always burns so much. Most mouthwash out there is billed as “anti-bacterial,” meaning it kills bacteria that settles in your mouth and contributes to the formation of plaque on your teeth.
Traditionally, the way to formulate a powerful “palate cleanser” like this has been to use a high concentration of alcohol. This creates the burning sensation that’s so familiar. However, over the last decade more and more brands have moved away from high alcohol formulas.
It might seem surprising, then, that most mouthwash continues to burn. What gives?
In addition to alcohol, some brands add other agents that promote a burning sensation and make it “seem like” the mouthwash is doing more. The truth is, however, that you don’t need a burn in order to get all of the health benefits of mouthwash.
There are even some situations where mouthwash with alcohol can cause health issues:
- Overuse of mouthwash with alcohol can contribute to soft tissue irritation and sores.
- Some people experience dry mouth and other issues when they use this kind of wash.
All in all, the most important thing is to make sure that dental health does not turn into something unpleasant for you. If it does, you might be less motivated to brush.
Do you have other questions about dental health? Would you like to reinvigorate your mouth and make sure your teeth and gums are completely healthy?
If so, Community Dental Group is ready to serve you. Email or call us to discover more or set your appointment. We look forward to assisting you soon.