Enter any upscale pharmacy and what you are likely to see on the front desk are bottles of assorted mouthwash, with detailed explanation of what they do and how to use them.
For many people, the mouthwash is an integral part of their oral cleansing routine, whether in the morning or at night as they prepare for bed.
Of course, dental health specialists do prescribe them when necessary, and, like other medications, they are meant to be used under the supervision of a competent physician for a specified period.
A dentist, Dr. Mabel Phillips, warns that it is an abuse of drugs when you use mouthwash indefinitely, as they could do more harm than good.
She says, “Sure, your breath will be fresh for a few minutes, but trust me, the bacteria returns very quickly.”
Experts lament that most over-the-counter mouthwashes contain alcohol, with nasty consequences for the user.
“Alcohol dries out your mouth and makes it a conducive arena for bacteria to thrive. Again, alcohol and smoking have been linked to oral cancer,” Phillips warns.
She says some mouthwash have a high percentage of alcohol that can have a negative effect of drying the mouth, especially for people who are undergoing cancer treatment, as well as those who are using hypertension drugs. Those using antidepressants and those who are diabetic are also warned against mouthwash use.
Phillips advises that plaque, which causes gum disease, can only be properly eliminated through teeth-brushing the right way: up and down, then sideways and inside out.
Good oral bacteria
In terms of oral ecology, experts say, those who care for their teeth and have a relatively clean mouth have between 1,000 and 100,000 bacteria living on each tooth surface. Phillips says if managed very well, bacteria and saliva can be beneficial to one’s health.
“Many diseases are related to oral bacteria. While bacteria will always be in our mouths, proper oral care and habits can protect against and reduce the effects of some harmful bacteria,” she counsels.
Scientists on mouthwash
While a study published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry reveals that using antiseptic mouthwash twice a day reduces the build-up of plaque and reduces incidence of inflamed gums (gingivitis) over six months; Australian researchers claim to have found “sufficient evidence” of a link between alcohol in mouthwashes and mouth cancer.
The researchers, McCullough M.J. and Farah C.S., note that it has been long established that smoking and alcohol consumption are risk factors linked to the development of oral cancer.
They therefore conclude, “We review the literature that associates alcohol-containing mouthwashes and oral cancer. On the basis of this review, we believe that there is now sufficient evidence to accept the proposition that alcohol-containing mouthwashes contribute to the increased risk of development of oral cancer and further feel that it is inadvisable for oral health care professionals to recommend the long-term use of alcohol-containing mouthwashes.”
Temporary relief for bad breath
As for those who think mouthwash can restore their fresh breath, dental health specialists insist that the real life situation reveals otherwise.
Indeed, the American Dental Association warns that mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath. “If you must constantly use a breath freshener to hide unpleasant mouth odour, see your dentist,” the physicians advise.
They say if you need extra help in controlling plaque, your dentist may recommend using a special antimicrobial mouth rinse. Better still, they say, a fluoride mouth rinse, used along with brushing and flossing, can help prevent tooth decay.
Mr. Kunle Hafeez says he suddenly discovered, to his embarrassment, that he had developed bad breath. After several visits to his physician who ran some tests to determine if there were underlying health issues, he was relieved to learn that the bad breath was due to gum infection. The General Practitioner advised him to use mouthwash after brushing his teeth.
Hafeez says the first time he used it, he was elated that the mouthwash gave him fresh breath. He was however disappointed that the fresh breath didn’t last the entire day. Consequently, he says, he only makes sure that he maintains good oral habit by brushing twice daily and avoiding certain foods, such as garlic and raw onion, that could worsen the symptoms.
Artificial concoctions
Scientists at Harvard Medical School have harsh descriptions for mouthwash. A researcher, Dr. Anthony Komaroff, notes that in reality, mouthwash actually plays a fairly minor role in the prevention of plaque and gum disease. He suggests that brushing and flossing are much more important.
He says, “These days, many mouthwashes are highly artificial concoctions that contain sweeteners for taste and artificial colorings for a bright hue. Alcohol is often included as well.
“It’s true that mouthwash will make your breath smell better for a while. The question is whether that’s achieved by killing off odour-producing bacteria or merely masking the problem. More effective than mouthwash at masking the problem are breath mints. It’s easier to use them repeatedly during the day than to swish mouthwash repeatedly.”
Komaroff counsels that the most effective way to reduce bad breath is to brush your tongue when you’re brushing your teeth. Most of the bacteria that cause bad breath reside in a small area near the back of the tongue. Brushing them away with a toothbrush is more effective than rinsing with a mouthwash, he argues.
He, however, notes that some research has found that two antibacterial ingredients most commonly used in mouthwashes may reduce the levels of bacteria that produce bad breath; and that other mouthwash ingredients — zinc and chlorine dioxide — may neutralise other smelly compounds.
The bottom line: If you must, use mouthwash sparingly and under the supervision of a competent physician.
-PUNCH.
November 13, 2012, 09:13:04 AM