How Much Alcohol Is In Mouthwash Quick Facts

For most of us, brushing isn't enough. We've become dependent on mouthwash for its cleansing properties, but is it completely safe? In this article, we will discuss mouthwash myths and find out how much alcohol is in mouthwash.

Mouthwash Myths: Using A Mouthwash The Right Way

Not all mouthwashes are the same.

Mouthwashes are classified as either cosmetic or therapeutic. A cosmetic mouthwash can temporarily reduce bad breath and lessen bacteria in your mouth, but it can't make more significant claims.
Therapeutic mouthwash contains ingredients like essential oils, and fluoride, which is proven to fight cavities.

Mouthwashes don't cure bad breath.

Your favorite mouthwash cannot fix bad breath permanently. Garlic breath comes from the lungs, making a mouthwash fix temporary.
Your saliva also dilutes mouthwash, reducing the effectiveness of some of its ingredients.

Mouthwashes can't replace brushing.

Regular brushing and flossing are still the most effective ways to remove plaque and debris in your mouth. Although a mouthwash can reduce the level of bacteria in your mouth, it does not thoroughly clean your mouth every day. A mouthwash must be treated as an add on, and not a replacement for regular brushing and flossing.

ORAL CARE TIP: You can add a mouthwash rinse to your oral care routine to improve mouth cleanliness.

Mouthwashes are time sensitive.

A mouthwash must be in gargled in your mouth for at least 30 seconds to achieve the best results. Some people find a mouthwash too strong to last in the mouth for half a minute, which makes this general rule challenging to follow through.

Mouthwash With Alcohol Vs. Without Alcohol

Mouthwashes with alcohol are not harmless.

The alcohol content in mouthwash can be as high as 26.9%, which is higher than beer or wine. If you keep track of how much alcohol is in mouthwash, you might feel a little worried about using it for your mouth. Alcohol in your mouthwash is meant to kill bacteria, but there's more to it than that:

It kills all bacteria, including good bacteria, causing an imbalance that leads to bad breath and other complications.
It causes dryness in the mouth, which can cause bad breath and irritation in your oral tissues.
It cannot reach the harmful bacteria located deep beneath your gum line. Although it gets rid of bacteria, it doesn't clean your teeth thoroughly.

Facts behind alcohol-free mouthwash:

Mouthwashes without alcohol help you produce saliva.
It helps make you produce more saliva, which keeps mouth and teeth fresh and clean.
It is safer for dental restorations and fillings with added benefits to their color and hardness.
Fluoride, as an ingredient in most alcohol-free mouthwashes, keeps teeth healthy and reduces tooth sensitivity.

Conclusion

The burning sensation we get from mouthwash doesn't mean it's entirely beneficial. Now that you know how much alcohol is in mouthwash, you can make better decisions about your oral care routine.