Is Daily Use of Mouthwash Worth It?
Daily use of mouthwash has become a common habit for many people seeking fresher breath and more complete oral hygiene. However, this practice, although seemingly harmless, requires attention regarding the choice of product and frequency of use.
Not All Mouthwashes Are the Same
Many products on the market contain alcohol or powerful antimicrobial agents, promising to eliminate bacteria and provide an intense feeling of cleanliness. However, the oral cavity houses a complex and diverse microbiota made up of microorganisms that play essential roles in the health of the mouth and the body as a whole.
This microbiota participates in important processes, such as the conversion of nitrates into nitric oxide—a molecule essential for regulating blood pressure. Frequent use of antibacterial mouthwashes may reduce the presence of beneficial bacteria involved in this process, affecting the mouth’s natural balance and indirectly impacting vascular health.
Impacts on Oral Balance
Excessive or improper use of mouthwash can lead to adverse effects such as burning sensations, dryness of the oral mucosa, altered taste, a rough mouthfeel, and even rebound bad breath. This happens because indiscriminate elimination of bacteria also affects those that help maintain pH and tissue integrity.
Moreover, by masking unpleasant odors with strong and refreshing flavors, some mouthwashes may delay the perception of more serious problems, such as gingival infections or early-stage cavities. Momentary relief does not replace clinical evaluation and proper hygiene.
Oral Hygiene: More Than Freshness
The immediate freshness provided by some products can create the false impression that the mouth is clean, when in fact it only disguises important signs. Oral health should be maintained through proper brushing after meals, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist.
Mouthwashes can indeed be recommended—but within a therapeutic context and under professional guidance. Patients with gingivitis, periodontitis, halitosis, or those recovering from surgery, for instance, may benefit from controlled use of these products, always with guidance.
What to Consider Before Using a Mouthwash
Before incorporating mouthwash into your routine, it is essential to assess its composition, real clinical need, and potential side effects. Alcohol-free products and those with gentler formulations tend to be less aggressive for continuous use.
Reading labels, understanding the function of each component, and consulting a dentist are actions that contribute to safer and more conscious choices.
Care Begins with Knowledge
Oral balance goes beyond appearance or breath. It is directly linked to overall health, quality of life, and even proper bodily function. Therefore, every product used in oral hygiene should be selected with care and responsibility.
At Clínica Debora Ayala, we believe that information is the foundation of any good care. If you have questions about using mouthwash or notice changes in your breath, taste, or oral comfort, contact our team and schedule a personalized evaluation.
Sources
Bondonno NP et al., 2018 — Free Radic Biol Med. PMID: 30300803
Joshipura KJ et al., 2020 — Front Cell Infect Microbiol. PMC7086881
Woessner M et al., 2016 — Nitric Oxide. PMID: 27644064
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