Using a mouthwash tends to be a personal choice. Certainly, people who are worried about bad breath may use a mouthwash daily or after each meal.
If you are at all concerned about your oral health or bad breath and are looking for a dentist in Hawthorn, then we welcome you to call us for a check-up.
First let’s take a look at the common ingredients in mouthwash and the good and the not so good. Here is a comparison of three oral rinse products.
| Listerine Fresh Burst 500ml | Colgate Plax Antibacterial Alcohol Free Bad Breath Control Mouthwash Freshmint 1L | Aesop Mouthwash 500ml |
| Ingredients: | Ingredients: | Ingredients: |
| Water, Alcohol, Sorbitol, Poloxamer 407, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Saccharin, Eucalyptol, Flavour, Thymol, Methyl Salicylate, Menthol, Sodium Benzoate, CI 47005 (Quinoline Yellow), CI 42053 (Green 3). | Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Sorbitol, Poloxamer 407, Flavour, Cetylpyridinium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Saccharin, Menthol, Citric Acid, CI 42053, CI 15985. | Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Xylitol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Pimpinella Anisum (Anise) Seed Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Sodium Chloride, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Oil, Limonene, Eugenol |
Below is a general guide and we encourage you to always do your own research as people react differently to products, including mouthwash.
The main ingredient in all three is water and the remaining ingredients should be considered before taking mouthwash.
- Colours are added which serve no purpose except for marketing on the store shelves or product distinction.
- Poloxamer 407 is used to dissolve oily ingredients in water but can have adverse reactions in some.
- Sorbitol is a sugary alcohol and found to be occurring naturally in some foods. It can cause a laxative effect.
- Cetylpyridinium Chloride is found in many oral care products and is an antiseptic. In some cases, this may stain the teeth.
- Benzoic Acid occurs naturally in many plants and is used as a preservative.
- Sodium Saccharin is an artificial sweetener.
- Eucalyptus Oil is made up of 90% eucalyptol and eucalyptol has a cooling taste.
- Flavour may be any number of ingredients which may cause an adverse reaction in some because it is not identified what is used as ‘flavour’ to create
- or change the taste of something.
- Thymol is an extract from the oil of ‘common’ thyme.
- Methyl Salicylate also called oil of wintergreen found in many plants and is also produced synthetically for flavouring.
- Sodium Benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid and is often used as a preservative.
- CI 47005 is also called Quinoline Yellow WS is dye derived and ay cause hyperactivity.
- CI 42053 is another colour and the toxicity of this product should be observed.
- CI 15985 is sunset yellow FCF and petroleum derived and has been banned in some countries for use in food products.
- Propylene Glycol is a synthetic liquid that is considered to have very low toxicity and is used as a vehicle for oral preparations.
- Menthol relieves minor throat irritation and small doses can have an impact on the health of some people.
- Citric Acid is naturally occurring in citrus fruits and is used as a flavouring and preservative.
- Potassium Sorbate is generally used in very small quantities as a preservative. In pure form it can be an irritant. Glycerin also called glycerine / glycerol is widely used as a sweetener.
- Xylitol is used as a sugar substitute and may assist with better dental health although this is not conclusive. Consumption may cause gastro-intestinal discomfort and related symptoms.
- Mentha Viridis – Spearmint is a species of the mint plant. It is used for anti-microbial activity and adds a nice minty flavour to beverages.
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine is derived from coconut and Dimethylaminopropylamine and is used as a surfactant for many personal care products.
- Sodium Citrate is a salt used as an acidity regulator.
- Pimpinella Anisum is an aniseed and may be used as a breath freshener.
- Alternifolia is a species of tea tree or shrub and is used as an antiseptic and for sore throats.
- Sodium Chloride – salt has many medicinal purposes and real life applications.
- Eugenia Caryophyllus – clove is used in dental emergencies and may be used for tooth ache. Some people may experience an adverse reaction to clove.
- Limonene is from citrus fruit peels. It is used as a fragrance, dietary supplement or solvent.
- Eugenol is extracted from essential oils and is known to have anesthetic properties as well as use for flavour or perfume although some need to be wary of an allergic reaction.
It’s more important that you undertake a routine of regular brushing and flossing.Your mouth environment is balanced with saliva and water which assist in the breakdown of food molecules and maintaining a balance.
Mouthwash may interfere with the microbiome and may also stain teeth in some instances depending on the brand you are using.
If you are concerned about your dental health or breath then book in with our dentist Hawthorn for a dental check-up and professional advice. Our dental clinic Hawthorn is designed with you in mind and we know you will absolutely love our approach.
Getting a Clean with your Dentist Hawthorn
Having a regular dental check up and getting your teeth cleaned, and whitened for those who want a brighter smile, can be a great alternative to regular mouthwash.
We can also discuss a suitable mouthwash if that is your preference.
