Does Using Too Much Mouthwash Cause Oral Issues?

If you’ve chosen to add mouthwash to your arsenal of dental care, you’ve made a great decision! Even if you brush for a full 2 minutes twice a day and floss daily, mouth rinse is an extra step that can help kill germs and remove leftover food particles that your bristles and floss couldn’t reach between teeth and below the gum line. But are you using too much mouthwash? Are you rinsing correctly? Read on to find out just how much mouth rinse you should be using and how to use it correctly. 

What’s So Special About Mouthwash?

There are many different kinds of oral rinse on the market today, and each formula varies slightly. Some contain antiseptic properties like alcohol, eucalyptol and menthol and are effective in treating symptoms of gum disease, swollen gums and mouth ulcers. Studies show that fluoride mouthwash used by school-aged children reduced the presence of cavities by more than 50 percent than children who did not use an oral rinse. 

How Much Should I Be Rinsing With?

When it comes to oral rinses, a little bit goes a very long way. Many mouthwash bottles have a measuring line on the cap. But for the best results, you should only use about 20 ml of oral rinse, which measures out to about 4 teaspoons. The typically recommended use for mouth rinse is twice in a 24-hour period after brushing your teeth. Even if you’ve had a particularly spicy or pungent lunch, you should stick to the recommended dosage. Using too much can result in mouth sores, inflamed oral tissue, decreased taste sensitivity and painful gums.

What is the Best Way to Use Mouthwash?

While mouthwash can freshen your breath, it is not effective enough to use on its own. The best way to use any oral rinse is as a third stop after brushing and flossing. Measure out 20 ml, empty the cup into your mouth and swish it around your mouth, between your teeth and gargle with it in the back of your throat. This process should take about 30 seconds. Finally, spit the mouthwash into the sink and wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking (not even water!).  

Mouthwash does more than just freshen your breath. It can also help fight oral issues, plaque and bacteria. In a pinch, using an oral rinse to get rid of bad breath is fine, but it is definitely not a replacement for brushing and flossing. 

About the Practice

At West Hartford Dental Group, the combined expertise and experience of Drs. Ukti Phadnis and Ajay Dhingra lend a level of compassion and service that is hard to match. When Dr. Phadnis opened West Hartford Dental Group, her ultimate goal was to provide proactive treatment and patient education as well as high-quality dental care. Getting to know each patient and their needs has allowed her to build trusting relationships with everyone who sits in her chair. If you are wondering whether you’re using the right mouthwash, contact the office at (860) 236-4249 or visit the website to schedule your appointment today.