Can mouthwash replace brushing
By
Dr Shivam Jha
This blog post will address the topic, “can mouthwash replace brushing” and cover topics like what research says, why mouthwash cannot replace brushing, types of mouthwash and choosing the one best for you, correct way of using mouthwash and what does research say about mouthwash preventing cavities.
Can Mouthwash Replace Brushing
No, mouthwash cannot replace brushing and act as only an adjunct to brushing teeth.
Using mouthwash along with brushing twice a day and flossing once daily maintains good oral hygiene and prevents plaque accumulation, thereby preventing bacterial acid attack and cavity formation.
What Does Research Say?
According to most of the research studies done on mouthwash and oral hygiene, mouthwash can only be used in conjunction with tooth brushing and flossing.
Mouthwash is not recommended as a replacement for tooth brushing because its continuous and prolonged usage have been known to cause teeth staining and even enamel erosion in a few cases.
A research study reported burning sensation, taste disturbances and staining as short-term side effects of regular use of chlorhexidine mouthwash.
Hence, it is very evident that mouthwash can’t replace mechanical methods of maintaining good oral hygiene such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily once.
Research recommends occasional and cautious use of therapeutic mouthwash.
Why Mouthwash Cannot Replace Brushing?
Mouthwash cannot replace brushing because of its alcohol content which on prolonged and daily use may cause oral dryness, leading to increased bacterial acid attack and thus weakening of the enamel.
Burning sensation, taste disturbances, staining, sore throat and sore mouth with tongue irritation are reported to be adverse effects associated with daily and prolonged use of mouthwash.
According to a review published in the International Journal Of Dental Hygiene, Chlorhexidine mouthwash resulted in more significant tooth discoloration compared to chlorhexidine gel.
Excessive use of fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouthrinses may stain teeth.
Types Of Mouthwash And One Which Is Best For You
Mouthwashes are categorised as Cosmetic and Therapeutic type by the FDA and American Dental Association (ADA).
Cosmetic Mouthwash:
Cosmetic Mouthwash is only to mask the bad breath and does not correct the dental condition causing bad breath.
Therapeutic Mouthwash:
Therapeutic mouthwashes, as the name suggests have therapeutic action and control dental conditions like gingivitis, tooth decay and periodontal diseases.
They also help remove halitosis and have been found effective in relieving sore throat symptoms.
Therapeutic Mouthwashes contain ADA listed active ingredients such as fluoride, peroxide, essential oils, cetylpyridinium chloride, and chlorhexidine, all regulated by the FDA.
All mouthwashes are different. Some mouthwash have alcohol, preservatives or antimicrobials as their main ingredient while others do not.
Categories of therapeutic mouthwash:
ALCOHOL BASED MOUTHWASH
Ethanol is the main ingredient in most alcohol-based mouthwashes.
Ethanol kills germs and bacteria and helps to reduce plaque and gingivitis by dissolving and dispersing essential oils like thymol or menthol.
ANTIMICROBIALS CONTAINING MOUTHWASH
Mouthwashes may contain both antimicrobials and alcohol or only antimicrobials. Chlorhexidine, a main antimicrobial ingredient, helps reduce and prevent plaque and gingivitis.
Studies have also found chlorhexidine to be effective in relieving the symptoms of sore throat.
PARABENS CONTAINING MOUTHWASH
Parabens are the most common type of preservative used in mouthwashes.
Parabens help to prevent infections and also to keep a mixture stable.
According to a research paper published in 2004, parabens can enter the body through skin and cause hormonal changes leading to cancer.
Therefore, it is advised to avoid mouthwashes containing parabens or consult your dentist before using such products.
NO PRESERVATIVES (NATURAL MOUTHWASH)
Natural Mouthwashes are gaining popularity due the rising concerns associated with chemicals and their harmful effects on the body.
According to a research article published in the International Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences, herbal or natural mouthwash plays a significant role in fighting against sore throat-causing bacteria and is thus recommended in cases of sore throat.
Correct Way Of Using Mouthwash
Mouthwash must be used in a correct way to maximise its benefits and reduce the potential side-effects:
Step 1:- Brushing And Then Mouthwash – It is essential to know that mouthwash must only be used after brushing your teeth. Precaution must be taken to not use mouthwash rinse just after using fluoride toothpaste and should wait for at least 30 minutes to allow fluoride to leave its effect.
Step 2:- Use the recommended amount of mouthwash to rinse your mouth – as excessive use significantly stains the teeth in the long run.
Step 3:- Rinse for 30 seconds and do not ingest any amount of mouthwash – Once 30 seconds is complete, just spit it out safely in a sink.
Can Mouthwash Prevent Cavities: What Does Research Say?
Using mouthwash along with brushing twice a day and flossing once daily maintains good oral hygiene and prevents plaque accumulation, thereby preventing bacterial acid attack and cavity formation.
Therapeutic mouthwashes, as the name suggests have therapeutic action and control dental conditions like gingivitis, tooth decay and periodontal diseases. They also help remove halitosis.
Therapeutic Mouthwashes contain ADA listed active ingredients such as fluoride, peroxide, essential oils, cetylpyridinium chloride, and chlorhexidine, all regulated by the FDA.
According to a research published in the journal of clinical medicine research, mouthwash containing chlorhexidine gluconate or cetylpyridinium chloride showed antimicrobial activity against most bacteria in the plaque biofilm.
Another study concluded that the chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride containing antiseptic mouthwashes had higher in-vitro antibacterial activity against streptococcus mutans, a bacteria found in the plaque biofilm.
Many people today do not prefer alcohol-containing mouthwashes and opt for alcohol-free mouthwash. Are they effective in halting the bacterial activity inside our mouth?
Well, according to a research published in the journal of dental sciences, 10000 ppm of γ-PGA without alcohol could significantly kill 99% of bacterial growth without causing any cytotoxicity or genotoxicity.
Conclusion
This blog post addressed the question, “can mouthwash replace brushing”. We understood what research says, why mouthwash cannot replace brushing teeth, types of mouthwash and choosing the one best for you. The article outlined correct ways of using mouthwash and what research says about mouthwash preventing cavities.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs): Can Mouthwash Replace Brushing
Why do you have to wait 30 minutes after using mouthwash?
You must wait for at least 30 minutes after using mouthwash because saliva needs at least 30 minutes to establish protection for teeth enamel, letting the fluoride infuse completely.
Rinsing or eating or drinking before 30 minutes after mouthwash, washes off the fluoride and leaves the tooth enamel unprotected to dental caries.
How many times can you mouthwash in a day?
It is healthy to mouthwash one time per day in addition to using floss and brushing teeth twice a day.
Long term continuous use of mouthwash may erode your teeth enamel and cause staining of your teeth.
According to a study, people using mouthwash twice or more than twice daily had a significantly increased risk of pre-diabetes or diabetes compared to less frequent users or non-users of mouthwash.
Why Do I Keep Getting Cavities If I Brush My Teeth?
You keep getting cavities even if you brush your teeth because either you are not brushing with a proper technique or there may be several pits and grooves present on the occlusal surface of your teeth.
The food particles get stuck in these pits and grooves, not possible to remove from brushing, resulting in plaque buildup, acid attacks on enamel by plaque bacteria and finally cavities formation.
Visit your dentist to get those pits and grooves sealed to prevent formation of cavities.
Is brushing with mouthwash as good as toothpaste?
Yes, if you do not have toothpaste, you can dip the toothbrush in your mouthwash and brush your teeth with it.
It is important to know that brushing with or without toothpaste does not make any significant difference as far as plaque removal is concerned. Mouthwash is also not required to remove plaque.
Is it OK to use mouthwash every day?
Yes, it is ok to use mouthwash every day as long as the correct proportion and dilution of mouthwash is used.
Overuse or use of more concentrated mouthwash may damage the enamel and cause dark brown staining of the tooth surface.
Why Do I Suddenly Have So Many Cavities?
You suddenly develop so many cavities because of the sudden change in your oral hygiene habits brought in by stress of a new routine or a new job.
Stress commonly results in dry mouth, which further results in quick plaque and tartar buildup, finally resulting in cavities at a faster rate.
Can Listerine reverse tooth decay?
Listerine is a fluoride containing mouthwash that along with daily tooth brushing twice and daily flossing, help reverse the cavity in its earliest stages through initiating the enamel remineralization process.
Other FAQs about Mouthwash that you may be interested in.
Can mouthwash replace flossing?
Does Listerine cause sore throat?
References:
Farah CS, McIntosh L, McCullough MJ. Mouthwashes. Aust Prescr 2009;32:162-4.
Kaur, P., Singh, H., Khatri, A., & Aulakh, K. S. (2015). Evaluation and comparison of short term side effects of 0.2% and 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash. Journal of Advanced Medical and Dental Sciences Research, 3(3), 26.
Is Mouthwash Bad for You? Effects, Risks, Who Shouldn’t Use It
Chlorhexidine, (2021)
Everything You Need to Know About Using Mouthwash. (2019)