Mouthwash: Advantages and Disadvantages
Mouthwash is used widely to keep the breath fresh and prevents build-up of bacteria. There are various types of mouthwash available on market such as daily care formulas, alcohol-free variants, and herbal mixtures, all designed to promote good oral health, good hygiene and fresh breath. But with all other things, it has an advantages and disadvantages.
Benefits
- Mouthwash promote good oral health and hygiene
Some washes are covered with fluoride to help fight cavities and periodontal disease. Antiseptic mouthwash, on the other hand, contains chlorhexidinegluconate, which prevents bacterial growth in the mouth and deals with halitosis and infection.
- Mouthwash aids in post-surgery treatment
There are certain mouthwashes prescribed by your dentist that help treat inflammation and wounds after dental surgery. This type of mouthwash is usually recommended for patients who are advised not to brush their teeth for long period of time after a surgical procedure.
- Mouthwash can help heal a canker sore
It is ulcer in the mouth and using mouthwash helps to control the infection.
- Mouthwash can help prevent complications during pregnancy
Mouthwash can prevent periodontal disease, which can lead to premature labor in pregnant women. When bacteria enter the mother’s bloodstream, it increases the inflammatory markers and stimulates contraction. Gargling with mouthwash can help prevent it from happening, as it keeps the bacteria away
Disadvantages
- Health hazard for children
Children are prone to accidentally ingesting mouthwash, and it can have a serious health hazard for them. It can result from convulsions and other more serious cases such as comatose. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 should be under the supervision of an adult when using mouthwash to avoid any health hazard.
- Can damage several parts of the mouth
Washing with high alcohol content can burn fine mucus in the mouth.
- Mouthwash can stain and darken teeth
Some mouthwashes have an ingredient called chlorhexidinegluconate. This ingredient helps prevent bacterial growth, but this may cause of discoloration of the teeth. Chlorhexidinegluconate can cause stain on one’s teeth when it gets in contact with food additives that in our mouth such as tannis that is common on coffee, tea and red wine.
Using a mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing your teeth; it is just one of the things to do to improve one’s oral health. It can be helpful or harmful, depends on how you use it. Always remember to consult your dentist first and find the right type of mouthwash for you.
These are some of the steps you can take to have a stronger and healthier tooth. After all, we all want to make sure we are problem free and we can enjoy our life and food for many years. In Smileway Dental Clinic USJ and Smileway Dental Clinic Setapak we take care of your smile because we believe in “Creating Smiles That Matters” in your life.
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