Impact of mouthwash on dental health

NAME : CHINTYA RAYZHA CHRISVANNIE 

NIM : 221051014

CLASS : GIGI A

Impact of mouthwash on dental health

  

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   Mouthwash is used to complement the routine of cleaning teeth and mouth. Even though it can provide many benefits, mouthwash should not be used carelessly, because it can cause side effects if used improperly.

    Mouthwash is an antiseptic liquid that is known for its use in eliminating bad breath. This liquid works by killing bacteria in areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush.

mouthwash also has various other benefits, depending on the ingredients contained in it. For example, mouthwash containing fluoride can prevent cavities and treat canker sores.

The following are the benefits of mouthwash for dental and oral health

 

1. Eliminate bad breath

As previously mentioned, one of the most well-known benefits of mouthwash is fighting bad breath. This is because mouthwash contains active antimicrobial ingredients, such as cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine, which can reduce the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath.

Not only that, some mouthwash products also contain natural ingredients, such as cinnamon, peppermint, or tea tree which can make your breath fresher.

2. Reducing dental plaque

Dental plaque is a sticky film on the surface of the teeth formed from a mixture of bacteria and food debris in the mouth. If not cleaned, plaque will accumulate into tartar and cause inflammation and bleeding of the gums.

3. Prevent caries and cavities

Caries is tooth decay which is characterized by the appearance of yellow-brown stains or black stains on the surface of the teeth. If left unchecked, dental caries will deepen and develop into cavities.

    To prevent this, you can use mouthwash with the active ingredient fluoride, which can strengthen the tooth surface and protect teeth from damage.

4. Overcoming inflammation in the mouth

The next benefit of mouthwash is to overcome inflammation that occurs in the mouth such as canker sores and inflammation of the gums (gingivitis).

    This is supported by several studies which prove that mouthwash containing povidone-iodine or neem leaf extract can suppress the growth of bacteria that cause inflammation in the mouth and relieve the symptoms that accompany this inflammation.

May exacerbate inflammation in the mouth

you should not use mouthwash with alcohol content when you have inflammation in the mouth, such as canker sores.

    Even though it acts as an antiseptic, the use of mouthwash with alcohol content can actually irritate canker sores and make them even more painful.

    Causes an allergic reaction

In very rare cases, several types of ingredients contained in mouthwash, such as fluoride and chlorhexidine can cause allergic reactions, such as itching and burning sensation in the mouth, swelling of the gums or tongue, to shortness of breath.

    Mouthwash Side Effects 

    

    A study published in the Australian Dental Journal in 2009 found that the use of mouthwash increases the risk of oral cancer nine times in smokers.

    Even though this mouthwash helps reduce all the bacteria that can be dental health, the use of mouthwash that is too frequent will also have an impact on dental health, namely:

Makes mouth dry

    Most of the mouthwash products on the market contain alcohol which functions as an antiseptic to remove bacteria from the teeth and oral cavity.

   However, for some people, especially those with xerostomia or dry mouth, mouthwashes with a high alcohol content can actually exacerbate their condition.

    Therefore, people who experience xerostomia are more advised to use alcohol-free mouthwashes. If possible, also choose a mouthwash with fluoride content, because dry mouth conditions can increase the risk of caries and cavities

Aggravating inflammation in the mouth

    should not use mouthwash with alcohol content when you have inflammation in the mouth, such as canker sores.

    Even though it acts as an antiseptic, the use of mouthwash with alcohol content can actually irritate canker sores and make them even more painful.

Causes an allergic reaction

     In very rare cases, several types of ingredients contained in mouthwash, such as fluoride and chlorhexidine can cause allergic reactions, such as itching and burning sensation in the mouth, swelling of the gums or tongue, to shortness of breath.