Dangers of using mouthwashes with high alcohol content

Many mouthwashes in the oral care aisle of the local drugstore include alcohol. While these mouthwashes can be beneficial, there are also some downfalls to them. Alcohol-based mouthwashes may negatively affect some patients, so knowing when to consider them and when to think about alternatives is important to ensuring the best oral health and wellness. At Smile Texas, Drs. Rick Kline and Bret Davis work regularly with patients to help them in choosing the items that are best for their unique needs.

What are some negative effects of alcohol-based mouthwashes?

There are a few things to consider when choosing a mouthwash for your smile. Below are just a few of the downfalls of mouthwashes with alcohol that patients will want to consider before buying a product at the store.

• Dry mouth. Because alcohol can be drying, it can reduce the saliva in your mouth. This can cause patients to have less saliva to naturally wash away food particles from the smile, and in patients who already struggle with dry mouth, can cause significant drying that puts them at risk of developing cavities and disease.
• Cancer risk. Additionally, alcohol-based mouthwashes have been scientifically linked with cancers of the head and neck. This includes the larynx and pharynx. This is because alcohol contains an ingredient known as acetaldehyde, which is an organic compound known to have a link with cancer due to damage at both genomic and cellular levels.
• Increased risk of cavities and disease. The drying and irritation that can result in some patients after regularly using alcohol-based mouthwashes can contribute to tooth decay and infection. This makes it more important than ever for patients who want to maintain healthy gums and teeth to consider non-alcohol mouthwashes available on the market that can still clean and freshen the smile.

How do I learn more about alternative mouthwash options?

At Smile Texas, we help Sugar Land, TX area patients find solutions for their smiles to help them achieve and maintain good oral health. If you are looking to work with Drs. Rick Kline and Bret Davis of Smile Texas, call the office at (281) 265-7645 today. The office is conveniently located at 4665 Sweetwater Boulevard, Suite #450.