Oral hygiene is essential for health. However, one type of product possibly sitting in your bathroom may affect more than your smile.
The mouthwash bowl is seen by a dental surgery chair at East Village dental practice on May 28, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
Mouthwash is a bathroom staple in many households, but risks tied to these minty antimicrobials could do more harm than good—harm that extends beyond a person’s pearly whites, according to a new comprehensive study.
While the number of ingredients and their concentrations vary among mouthwash brands, scientists have concluded that some ingredients in these oral hygiene products are linked to side effects ranging from minor skin irritation and headaches to life-threatening conditions like heart problems and cancer.
Researchers in Turkey examined 45 mouthwash formulas used by 17 commercial brands found in the five largest chain stores in Istanbul.
They found 31 out of the 45 formulas (over 68 percent) contained glycerin, associated with kidney and liver deterioration, 29 (over 64 percent) included the known carcinogen sodium saccharin, and 28 (about 62 percent) contained propylene glycol—a chemical linked to organ failure when used in large doses.
Despite its link to tooth decay, the antiseptic chlorhexidine gluconate was included in 7 of 45 formulas. Other ingredients, such as the plaque-reducing agent cetylpyridinium chloride and acid orange 7 dye, can cause tooth discoloration and staining.
Are These Chemicals Also Found in Toothpaste?
According to a paper published in the Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, the answer is yes. Mouth rinses practically have the same composition as toothpaste. Some overlapping chemicals include:
- Abrasives that remove substances on tooth surfaces without scratching them.
- Binders that prevent the product from drying out.
- Solvents that dissolve ingredients so they can be mixed. Water makes up the majority of solvents, but alcohol is also used in mouth rinses.
- Foaming agents that enhance the cleaning effect and remove dirt.
- Flavoring agents that eliminate unpleasant smells and provide a refreshing taste. Examples include spearmint, peppermint, and eucalyptus.
- Coloring agents like titanium dioxide, which is used to make toothpaste white.
- Preservatives that prevent the growth of microorganisms.
Is Mouthwash a Substitute for Toothpaste?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), mouthwash is not meant to substitute toothpaste but is a valuable addition. Swishing and gargling can help reach areas that are sometimes hard to reach with a toothbrush.
Warnings, Recalls, and Other Risks
Several warnings and recalls have been released over the past decade regarding the dangers of mouthwash.
ADA discourages children under 6 years old from using mouthwash unless directed by a dentist. Children may accidentally swallow it, leading to nausea, vomiting, and alcohol intoxication, depending on the amount of alcohol in the rinse.
Use of Both Mouthwash and Toothpaste Compounds Effects
“The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects and intended usage of the ingredients included in commercially available mouthwashes as well as to identify any possible adverse impacts,” the study authors wrote. “According to the research on toothpaste, many compounds that might cause harmful effects … can also be ingested through mouthwash, hence boosting the body’s concentration of these agents.”
It is critical, they continued, that dental care products containing chemicals with hazardous effects be eliminated of these substances, recommending further research in this area to ensure consumer safety.es compared to people who used mouthwash less frequently.