Alcohol-based mouthwashes are quite popular these days because they not only kill germs but also leave you with a minty fresh feeling for a long time. However, there is a growing concern about the usage of alcohol in oral care products. So, should you switch to a non-alcoholic mouthwash? Because ethanol has a drying effect, you benefit greatly from using alcohol-free mouthwash instead. You have burning mouth syndrome: The burning sensation that alcohol creates may exacerbate the symptoms of burning mouth syndrome or other oral irritations. Let’s find out!
Some mouth rinses contain high levels of alcohol — ranging from 18 to 26 percent. This may produce a burning mouth sensation in the cheeks, teeth, and gums. Burning can also come from consistent mouthwash use, which causes irritated mouth tissue and can lead to mouth sores.
What is an alcohol-based mouthwash?
This mouthwash is made with at least 0.5% alcohol. The alcohol content in the mouthwash serves as a solvent that helps in destroying germs and plaque. Some studies have found that it is better to use it because the alcohol can help to penetrate the biofilm that forms on your teeth and gums. The content present in the mouthwash acts as an antiseptic and helps kill the germs. In addition, it also acts as a solvent that helps in dissolving the plaque on your teeth thereby preventing the formation of cavities.
Why use an alcohol-based mouthwash?
An alcohol-based mouthwash is more effective at killing bacteria than a non-alcoholic mouthwash. In addition, the alcohol in the mouthwash also acts as a solvent that helps in dissolving the plaque. This results in better oral health. Since the alcohol present in the mouthwash helps to kill the germs, it leaves your breath smelling fresh for a long time. They also work better for people who have sensitive teeth.
Alcohol-free mouthwash is considered to be safer for your teeth because you do not have to worry about your enamel being weakened by the alcohol in your mouthwash or your gums burning while you rinse.
Arguments for using an alcohol-free mouthwash
It is better for your teeth. A study found that the mouthwashes that contained alcohol were more harmful to your teeth than those that didn’t. The alcohol in the mouthwash can lead to enamel loss, weakening of the tooth structure, and gum damage.
They are better for your gums. Another study found that alcohol-free mouthwashes were better for your gums than alcohol-based mouthwashes.
It is better for your breath. While the alcohol in the mouthwash makes your breath smell great, it is only temporary. The alcohol-free mouthwash leaves a fresh minty taste in your mouth that lasts longer than the alcohol-based mouthwash.
They are better for your oral health. While alcohol-based mouthwashes are better at killing bacteria and preventing the formation of cavities, alcohol-free mouthwash is better for your overall oral health.
Arguments against using an alcohol-free mouthwash
People with dry mouths can’t use it. A dry mouth is a condition where there is reduced production of saliva in the mouth. Saliva is important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. If you have a dry mouth, you should avoid using an alcohol-free mouthwash. Alcohol-free mouthwashes contain Xylitol which can worsen the symptoms of dry mouth.
Alcohol-free mouthwash is not as effective as an alcohol-based mouthwash. While alcohol-free mouthwash is better for your oral health, alcohol-based mouthwash is better at killing germs.
Alcohol-free mouthwash doesn’t leave your breath fresh for a long time. While the alcohol-free mouthwash is better for your overall oral health, it doesn’t leave your breath smelling fresh. The alcohol-based mouthwash, on the other hand, leaves your breath smelling fresh for a long time.
Conclusion
While both are effective at keeping your teeth and gums healthy, it is best to go with an alcohol-based mouthwash. As it is more effective than non-alcoholic mouthwash. In addition, the alcohol-based mouthwash leaves your breath smelling fresh for a longer time. If you are looking for better oral health, you should pick alcohol-based mouthwash. If you are looking for better oral health and want your breath to remain fresh for a longer time, you should pick alcohol-based mouthwash.
