Practicing dental hygiene is one of the most crucial habits anybody can have. It keeps us from contracting gum disease, bad breath, and tooth loss. Dental floss and toothpaste are the most common dental hygiene products, with mouthwash closely following them. By using mouthwash, you can access areas in between your teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach due to its viscosity and different chemical properties. You can target deep-lying bacteria in your fight against gum disease. Therefore, it is a great addition to your battalion.
However, different types of mouthwash contain different ingredients, with one of the main ones being alcohol. Alcohol is known for its ability to kill germs effectively. It is for this reason that it is included in many cleaning products. Alcohol in your mouthwash can be of great help in your treatment of gum disease. However, alcohol has a corrosive effect on the teeth. Some people prefer alcohol-free mouthwash for this reason. Therefore, should your mouthwash contain alcohol if you have gum disease?
Mouthwash With Alcohol
When you rinse your mouth and get a tingly sensation in your gums after, that’s the effect of alcohol contained in the mouthwash. This sensation misleads many into believing that alcohol is the active ingredient in the bottle when it is not. It is also essential to know that the alcohol will kill bacteria on the surface but not deep under the tissue. Alcohol also causes the mouth to dry, ridding it of the saliva it needs to wash away bacteria.
Alcohol Free Mouthwash
Because alcohol causes the mouth to dry, alcohol-free mouthwash has no such side effects. Therefore, free-flowing saliva is an advantage of alcohol-free mouthwash. It is also a safe option if you have dental implants, as it will not react with them or corrode them.
If you have gum disease, you should regularly visit our offices to get our professionals’ best diagnosis and recommendations. Contact us for any additional information regarding your dental health.
