While mouthwash is generally considered safe when used as directed, there are some po-
tential health risks associated with its use.
Here are the information about how mouthwashes can be unhealthy:
1. Disrupts oral microbiome: The mouth is home to a complex ecosystem of bacteria,
some of which are beneficial for oral health, while others are harmful and can cause
cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Some mouthwashes contain
antimicrobial agents such as alcohol, chlorhexidine, and cetylpyridinium chloride,
which can kill both beneficial and harmful bacteria. While this may seem like a good
thing, disrupting the balance of bacteria in the mouth can lead to bad breath, dry
mouth, and an increased risk of oral health problems.
2. Can cause dry mouth: Alcohol is a common ingredient in many mouthwashes, and it
can cause dry mouth by reducing the production of saliva. Saliva helps to keep the
mouth moist and wash away food particles and bacteria, so a decrease in saliva pro-
duction can lead to bad breath and an increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
3. Contains potentially harmful ingredients: Some mouthwashes contain ingredients
that can be harmful if swallowed, such as hydrogen peroxide, which can cause nau-
sea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other ingredients, such as chlorhexidine, can cause
staining of the teeth and tongue with long-term use.
4. Increases risk of oral cancer: While the evidence is not conclusive, some studies
have suggested that long-term use of alcohol-containing mouthwashes may increase
the risk of oral cancer. The theory is that alcohol can act as a carcinogen (a substance
that can cause cancer) when it comes into contact with the cells in the mouth.
5. It is worth noting that not all mouthwashes are created equal, and some may be less
harmful than others. For example, some mouthwashes are specifically designed for
people with dry mouth and do not contain alcohol. It is important to read the labels
carefully and talk to your dentist or healthcare provider about which mouthwash is
right for you.
Here are some sources for the above:
• Disrupts oral microbiome: "The role of mouthwashes in oral healthcare" by A. R.
Prasad and D. J. Wilson, Dental Update, 2017 (https://www.ada.org/resources/re-
search/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/mouthrinse-
mouthwash#:~:text=There%20are%20therapeutic%20mouthrinses%20that,amounts%
20of%20the%20liquid%20inadvertently.)
• "Mouthwash use in relation to oral and pharyngeal cancer" by C. La Vecchia et al.,
Cancer Causes & Control, 1999 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PM-
C8345986/)
• Can cause dry mouth: "Mouthwashes in the 21st century: a narrative review about ac-
tive ingredients and effectiveness" by D. D. Bosma et al., European Journal of Den-
tistry, 2019 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27835926/)
• "Oral side effects of medications: a guide for dental practice" by J. A. Ship, Journal of
the American Dental Association, 2002 (https://thejcdp.com/doi/JCDP/pdf/10.5005/
jcdp-6-4-144)
• Contains potentially harmful ingredients: "Safety of hydrogen peroxide oral rinse" by S.
E. Schemehorn and C. R. Wood, American Journal of Dentistry, 1992 (https://www.re-
searchgate.net/publication/352739401_Effectiveness_and_Adverse_Effects_of_Over-
the-Counter_Whitening_Products_on_Dental_Tissues)
• "Clinical relevance of chlorhexidine in dentistry" by D. M. O'Donnell et al., Journal of
Clinical Periodontology, 1997 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PM-
C9275362/)
• Increases risk of oral cancer: "Mouthwash use in relation to oral and pharyngeal can-
cer" by C. La Vecchia et al., Cancer Causes & Control, 1999 (https://
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2032242/)
• "The effect of alcohol-containing mouth rinses on the risk of oral cancer: a review" by
G. K. Schwimmer et al., Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology,
and Endodontology, 2008 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6982979/
#:~:text=After%20an%20adjustment%20for%20different,2.91%3B%2095%25CI%20
%3D%201.52)