It's incomplete to clean your mouth without ending it by using mouthwash. Mouthwash itself is very helpful in avoiding plaque formation and tooth decay. But behind the benefits of mouthwash, there are also side effects that accompany it.
Many people think that mouthwash only functions to refresh breath. This is because many mouthwashes that only contain substances to fight the bacteria that cause bad breath.
Though there are many mouthwash products that have been fortified with flouride. Mouthwash containing fluoride can help prevent tooth decay. Mouthwash itself usually has a basic content in the form of water, cleaning agents, fragrances, and alcohol.
Types of mouthwash
Based on the active ingredients contained in it, mouthwash can be classified into several types, namely:
- Mouthwash that contains antimicrobial active ingredients. This type of product has the function of controlling the growth of bacteria in the mouth. In addition, this type of mouthwash can reduce plaque, minimize the severity of gingivitis or inflammation of the gums, and eliminate bad breath.
- Mouthwash is also armed with an active ingredient of fluoride. The main function of the product with this active ingredient is to help prevent cavities from forming. Flouride is also claimed to be able to prevent tooth decay.
- Fragrance ingredients can be one of the ingredients in mouthwash. This active ingredient will act as a chemical capable of neutralizing bad breath.
Some Debates About Mouthwash
Not always mouthwash is considered beneficial for its users. For some parties, mouthwash has many benefits, including:
- Considered capable of preventing cavities which is supported by many studies that prove it. Flouride is considered able to reduce fragility and damage to teeth.
- Mouthwash is believed to be able to prevent the worsening of diseases that attack the gums. Mouthwash that contains antibacterial has an active ingredient of alcohol or chlorhexidine which can help prevent gum diseases such as gingivitis.
- This product is also considered capable of overcoming thrush. This effect is suspected because the mouthwash can detoxify the tissue in the mouth that is affected by thrush.
- There are claims that mouthwash has a significant role in reducing the risk of pregnant women giving birth to premature babies and low body weight. Mouthwash can help prevent gum disease in pregnant women, which is a trigger for various pregnancy disorders.
Meanwhile, there are also some who argue the benefits of mouthwash, even saying that mouthwash has a bad effect on health. As for the rebuttal of the benefits of mouthwash, as well as the adverse effects associated with mouthwash, include:
- This product is only considered as a breath freshener in the short or temporary. This means the use of mouthwash alone will not help much to improve the condition of people who have poor oral hygiene. You still need to maintain oral and dental hygiene.
- Making thrush more painful, especially if the alcohol content is excessive. You can imagine what it's like if the ulcer sores are doused with alcohol, right?
- Alcoholic mouthwash is not good for people who suffer from dry mouth. If there are complaints such as dry mouth or tongue, you are advised to consult with your dentist to determine the type of mouthwash that is good for your condition.
- There is an opinion which states that mouthwash can cause oral cancer. This negative effect is mainly associated with the presence of alcohol content in mouthwash. However, existing research still cannot conclude this.
Mouthwash is better not to be used by children under 6 years old. It is also important to note that the use of mouthwash does not eliminate one's obligation to brush their teeth and do flossing. Do not forget to also consult a dentist every 6 months.
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