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Posted on 2/29/2020 by Dr. Saklofsky |
 Using a good mouthwash after you finish brushing your teeth should be a basic part of your oral hygiene routine practice. Your toothbrush only gets to so many places and areas in your mouth, and it's pretty likely that the bacteria that live in your mouth will probably survive even the most thorough brushing – so using a good mouthwash is essential to get into those cracks and crevices that a toothbrush cannot. Can An Alcohol-Based Mouthwash Really Hurt you and Dry out Your Mouth?Dentists frequently see people who have damaged their gums by doing what they thought they were supposed to be doing – using mouthwash. Not all mouthwashes are created equal, and not all mouthwashes are good for your mouth, and in fact, some mouthwashes actually contribute to bad breath and dry out your mouth so, read below for some more information. Alcohol-based mouthwashes can and do cause bad breath. Most people want to use mouthwash to kill the level of bacteria in their mouth or the bacteria that cause bad breath. However, using a mouthwash with alcohol in it actually most times makes the problem worse, while it does kill the bacteria it also damages the gum tissue. This, in turn, means the dead gum tissue can act as a food source to the very bacteria you want to eliminate which only leads to increased bacteria and more bad breath. Damage to your gums and dries out your mouth. Alcohol is a very potent compound and used in the right way can be very helpful. However, in the wrong way can be very damaging. Alcohol kills living tissue when it comes into contact with it. When it comes into contact with your skin, your skin is hardy enough barrier to withstand it. However, when it comes into contact with tissue-like your gums the result can be tissue death and dry mouth. So, for healthy gums, reach for some mouthwash, just make sure that it is alcohol-free. If you are concerned about what mouthwash to use, please feel free to call our office and we are happy to give you a list of our favorites that are best for your teeth, mouth and overall oral hygiene. |
 Contact UsLincoln Center Smiles 10500 SW Greenburg Rd Suite 3 Portland, OR 97223-1406 HoursMon-Thu: 7am-5pm Phone(503) 598-0898 info@saklofsky.com |
