There is a debate about whether or not using mouthwash liquid should be a necessary part of a proper oral hygiene routine. Whether or not you want to make it part of your daily teeth cleansing sessions is an individual decision. However, for some people, a mouthwash may be an integral part of their regime towards (re-)gaining good oral health. The majority of mouthwash products are filled with alcohol and other harmful chemicals, and so rinsing your mouth with such a liquid may do more harm than good to your oral -and overall- health.
We’ve collected a selection of ingredients to look out for in mouthwash products below:
1) Hexetidine (Oraldene) – Found in most mouthwashes on the market, this active ingredient is added for its antiseptic and antiplaque characteristics. While gurgling with a hexetidine-containing liquid sounds reasonable to protect the teeth from bacteria, it can in fact be quite harmful to your health: the chemical has been linked to chronic conditions such as clotting in the brain and brain function failure.
2) Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC) – An effective antibacterial, the ingredient is often added to mouthwashes to help prevent dental plaque and gum infections. However, it may also stain the surface of the teeth and interdental spaces with brown spots.
3) Eucalyptol – This organic compound is often responsible for the strong menthol aroma and bitingly unpleasant ‘minty’ taste of most mouth rinses. While refreshing the breath, this ingredient is generally recognised as a reproductive toxin in females as well as males. Taken in large quantities, it can further lead to respiratory problems as well as to damages in the nervous system.
Instead of using regular mouthwash, you could switch to a natural and organic alternative. Natural alternatives are a lot better for you because they aren’t laden with harmful chemicals. Hop over to this blog and check our favourite oral healthcare products.
As another alternative, you could also try oil pulling, which is used to clean teeth and gums. Essentially, you swish a few teaspoons of vegetable-based oil (e.g. coconut oil) around your mouth for 20 minutes and then spit out. It is important to rinse well afterwards and best done in the morning on an empty stomach.
Further reading:
http://gumdiseaseremedies.com/mouthwash-ingredients-can-mouthwash-really-kill-me/
http://www.positivehealthwellness.com/beauty-aging/everything-need-know-oil-pulling/
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