Is mouthwash necessary in an oral care routine?
- 26 studies show strong evidence that essential oils in mouthwash can improve oral health
- Brushing and flossing alone may not be enough
- The development of active ingredients in mouthwash means that it is more effective than ever in contributing to great oral health
It’s time to forget everything you think you know about mouthwash. Whilst it has become a staple in many bathrooms across the globe, there still appears to be some misinformation about how and when to use it. Luckily, ongoing research into oral care means that we can continually improve our oral care rituals
Variations of mouthwash are first documented in Indian Ayurveda. Formulas vary but most seem to reference salt, celery and vinegar - It’s safe to assume that this wasn’t meant for fresh breath. Commercial mouthwash that we would recognise today came about in the late 19th Century
Is mouthwash necessary?
Dr Carter, OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation suggests; “While mechanical cleaning dislodges plaque bacteria, data suggests that this is not enough in a majority of people to maintain good levels of oral health. Therefore, as an addition to brushing and interdental cleaning, we would recommend the use of an effective antimicrobial mouthwash.”
So, in short, yes. It should be noted that all research indicates that mouthwash is not a substitute for cleaning and flossing. Rather it compliments good oral care practice.
How does mouthwash work?
Depending on the ingredients, mouthwash can serve a few different functions.
Flush away food and bacteria:The action of swishing with a mouthwash helps to flush away tiny particles of food and bacteria, helping to reduce the risk of plaque and gum disease and keeping the mouth fresh.
Antibacterial and antiseptic properties: Traditional mouthwash began as an antiseptic that was used both orally and to treat wounds. Common active ingredients in commercial ingredients include alcohol and chlorhexidine. Both act to kill germs and bacteria in our mouths.
Breath Freshener: It seems obvious, swishing with a mint flavoured mouthwash will leave your breath feeling minty fresh. But it can also help eliminate food and bacteria that causes bad breath.
The problem with commercial mouthwash
Mouthwash is getting a bit of a bad rep at the moment. The problem with mouthwash is two fold:
Many people aren't using it right: Most people grab the mouthwash straight after brushing. Swishing straight after brushing can prevent the toothpaste ingredient from working, especially if you are using a fluoride toothpaste
Mouthwashes can contain alcohol and chlorhexidine. Alcohol is used in mouthwashes as a solvent to help dissolve active ingredients, as well as being an antiseptic. Chlorhexidine is an active ingredient found in many medicated mouthwashes. As a disinfectant, and antiseptic it is effective at preventing gum disease and plaque bacteria. However both alcohol and chlorhexidine can be having a negative effect on our oral health. Studies show that alcohol is linked to mouth cancer, and both alcohol and chlorhexidine can strip away the good bacteria in our mouths that promote oral health.
When choosing a mouthwash, we think it's best to avoid these ingredients. We've created a natural mouthwash that promotes oral health through the use of prebiotic aloe vera, and added probiotics. This way it can help flush away food and bacteria, freshen breath, and help prevent plaque whilst supporting the oral microbiome.
When should you use mouthwash?
Mouthwash will be more effective after a meal like lunch or dinner. It is best to floss before using mouthwash to help the mouthwash reach in between your teeth. If you brush your teeth first thing in the morning, and then have breakfast, use mouthwash after eating to leave the house feeling fresh.
Does Mouthwash Remove Plaque?
Used alone, mouthwash can help to fight the bacteria that cause plaque. To be really effective at actually removing plaque, mouthwash needs to be used as well as brushing and flossing.
Studies show overwhelming evidence that regularly using mouthwash can help in both the short and long term when it comes to reducing plaque.
More recent research is highlighting the benefits of ingredients that can vastly improve mouthwashes for even better results. Research in 2017 that looked at 26 different studies concluded that mouthwashes containing essential oils significantly help to reduce the bacteria that cause plaque.
Mouthwash and gum disease
Whilst this may not always have been the case, the development of active ingredients over the last decade has meant that there are mouthwashes that can actively help to stop the development of gum disease.
In particular, Chlorhexidine has consistently proven to be effective in fighting plaque and bacteria.
Even better news is that Aloe Vera has been proven to be just as successful as a natural substitute for chlorhexidine, bringing all of the benefits and working well with probiotics to tackle gum disease.
Getting the most from your oral care ritual
You are now armed with all the most up-to-date information to know when and why to add mouthwash to your oral care ritual.
Remember to use mouthwash after meals, not after brushing.
Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the good bacteria.
Use mouthwash alongside your regular oral care routine to keep you feeling fresh throughout the day.
Happy swishing!
Sources
Tatiana V. Macfarlane et al, Mouthwash Use in General Population: Results from Adult Dental Health Survey in Grampian, Scotland, (2010), Journal of Oral and Maxillofac Research
Oral Health Foundation (2020) ‘National Smile Month 2020 Survey’, UK, April 2020.
NHS, ”How To Keep Your Teeth Clean” (reviewed Feb 2022)
Fahad Ali Alshehri, The use of mouthwash containing essential oils (LISTERINE®) to improve oral health: A systematic review, (2017) Saudi Dental Journal
Meenakshi Rajendiran, Recent Development of Active Ingredients in Mouthwashes and Toothpastes for Periodontal Diseases, (2021), Molecules
Let customers speak for us
from 794 reviewsAbsolutely love this !!! Very minty & can really tell the difference with the natural oils super clean teeth now and stopping inflammation
I have been using this toothpaste for at least three years and it is the best I have used. I am told by my dentist that I have excellent hygiene for last two to three years too. I am a long term vegan and always try to be env-friendly and obv avoid palm oil too. Excellent. The price is off putting but it lasts ages so it balances out, all things considered.
A nice plastic free alternative that's hygienic and long lasting. Nice appropriately sized scoop end to get into the glass jar with ease and ensure you get the right amount of paste on your brush, plus the narrower handle end is good to use in the smaller travel size tins. It also makes a good tongue scraper!
I've used mouthwashes in the past that feels like they're going to burn my tongue off...this one is much milder, especially as you can dilute it a bit with water but still freshens the mouth and does the job. No nasty plastic container, nice natural ingredients!
I read some people see big differences within only a few days of use. I thought I'd give it a bit longer before adding my review. I have a condition and it comes with fragile tooth enamel and high sensitivity. Most toothpastes are too strong, too abrasive, only offer comfort for a few days use. I also hate waste and difficult to recycle/reuse traditional toothpaste packaging. A week in using truthpaste and I'm extremely satisfied with the outcome. Vastly reduced sensitivity so far and nice clean teeth! Spatula that came with my pack can also serve as a handy tongue scraper! No more plastic waste...a lovely little jar that's recyclable, but I'll be keeping for storing things in. I like the handy travel sized tins too. So far...so good. Thanks Truthpaste!
This toothpaste in combination with my Suri toothbrush is perfect
Really like this toothpaste, leaves my teeth feeling really clean with a nice freshness. I have tried tooth powder and tables but so far this is so much better.
Great product and feels safe to trust truthpaste for providing quality ingredients .
Like a mouth spa every time! No more pain and bleeding.. great at disinfecting and cleaning… really is so botanical.. I love it! It’s my go to toothpaste now.
After seeing adverts on social media I decided to try Truthpaste. The fact that it's fluoride free - the healthier option, it was worth a try. Anyway, love it. The peppermint & wintergreen has a really fresh taste & prefer the jar & spatula to a tube of toothpaste. I also bought the mouthwash which leaves your mouth feeling fresh & the charcoal floss is a great improvement on shop bought floss. I was so impressed, I put my second order in & my husband is now converted.
Very surprised how quickly my mouth improved teeth and gums lesd sensitive excellent stuff have recommended it to others already.
Have been using this for a couple of weeks now and it’s amazing. It tastes and smells good, and it has a brilliant texture. Definitely will be ordering more.
Quality Product, which contains natural ingredients which is needed when using a substance when cleaning one's teeth, and its very refreshing to know this product is all natural and inexpensive, and the jar above lasts for at least couple of months...! Very satisfied customer that's for sure, thank you "Truthpaste" The truth is always in the wording 🙏🙏
Excellent product. Does what it says and at a very reasonable price.
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