How to Use Mouthwash: Explained with Easy Steps

Table of Contents

The mouthwash step of oral hygiene plays an important role in protecting oral health. Mouthwash is considered a complement to an oral care routine.

The mouthwash is applied after the flossing and brushing, destroying any harmful bacteria that may remain in the mouth after the first two steps. It can also be used for fresh breath.

Having information on issues such as which type of mouthwash to choose and the interaction of mouthwash and normal water is crucial.

  • 20 ML OF MOUTHWASH IS ENOUGH TO USE
  • RINSING DURATION SHOULD BE BETWEEN 30-60 SECONDS
  • MOUTHWASH SHOULD NOT BE MIXED WITH WATER
  • THERE ARE COSMETIC AND THERAPEUTIC MOUTHWASHES
  • INGREDIENTS ARE IMPORTANT FOR CHOOSING THE APPROPRIATE ONE
  • EXPIRED MOUTHWASH OR DRINKING MOUTHWASH ARE REALLY RISKY
  • USING TOO MUCH MOUTHWASH CAN LEAD TO SOME DISEASES
  • MOUTHWASH ROUTINE CAN BE THE REASON FOR STAINING TEETH

How to Use Mouthwash

Using mouthwash is an easy step in the oral hygiene routine.

First, you should take 20 mL of antibacterial mouthwash after flossing and brushing your teeth. The caps on mouthwash bottles usually meet this criterion so that you can use the cap directly as a scale.

After rinsing it in your mouth for 30–60 seconds, you should spit the mouthwash without swallowing it.

💡The modern mouthwash was first invented in 1800s.

Should You Mix Mouthwash with Water?

No, you should not mix mouthwash with water.

When the mouthwash is mixed with water, the mouthwash will become diluted. A diluted mouth rinse is not a good choice when it comes to fighting harmful bacteria and plaque in the mouth.

However, if you just want a fresh breath and prefer a mouthwash that is not intense in fighting plaque and bacteria, you can choose diluted ones.

Can You Rinse with Water Right After Mouthwash?

No, you should not rinse your mouth with water after mouthwash routine.

You should wait for active ingredients such as fluoride and antiseptics to bind to the teeth and gums. Thus, they can become protective for teeth and gums. Their effects disappear when rinsing with water.

The Importance of Mouthwash

Mouthwash has a great importance and role in ensuring oral hygiene. In addition to refreshing the mouth, it also brings many advantages and benefits for oral health.

It rids the mouth of food particles that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing.

It largely prevents the formation of plaque on the teeth by containing antibacterial substances such as essential oils. So, it has an anti-cavity benefit.

Along with the fluoride it contains, it also has the feature of strengthening tooth enamel.

Mouthwashes containing soothing ingredients such as aloe vera or chamomile heal irritations in the mouth.

It is also an important complement to tooth brushing and flossing for a good oral health routine.

What Does Mouthwash Do?

Mouthwash has many functions in maintaining oral health. 

  • PREVENTING BAD BREATH (HALITOSIS) 
  • KILLING HARMFUL BACTERIA
  • PREVENTING PLAQUE FORMATION
  • PREVENTING TOOTH DECAY, GINGIVITIS, AND TARTAR
  • HEALING WOUNDS IN THE MOUTH 
  • STRENGTHENING TOOTH ENAMEL 
  • EFFECTIVE IN TEETH WHITENING 

Types of Mouthwash

Mouthwashes are available in different types and are divided into two: cosmetic mouthwashes and therapeutic mouthwashes.

Cosmetic mouthwashes only prevent bad breath and provide freshness. However, therapeutic mouthwashes fight bacteria and plaque.

There is also such a thing as natural mouthwash. Depending on its ingredients, it can become both cosmetic and therapeutic.

Oil pulling involves circulating oil around the mouth and between the teeth, for 5 to 20 minutes each day, then spitting it out. These oils can be sunflower oil, sesame oil, and coconut oil.

💡However, the American Dental Association (ADA) does not recommend this procedure due to a lack of scientific evidence.

What Are The Therapeutic Mouthwashes?

Therapeutic Mouthwashes can be viewed in four types.

  1. Antiseptic Mouthwashes: It kills bacteria and removes plaque. These mouthwashes are a bit severe, so using too much can be harmful.
  2. Fluoride Mouthwashes: Fluoride rinses protect tooth enamel and eliminates tooth cavities.
  3. Alcohol-free Mouthwashes: It is not strong and is designed to eliminate mainly bad breath.
  4. Mouthwash Tablet: It is in tablet form and relieves mouth sores. It generally does not contain toxic substances.

Is Salt Water Better Than Mouthwash?

No. Saltwater is not better than mouthwash.

Saltwater is a mild antiseptic. It can relieve mouth ulcers, gum irritations, sore throat, and inflammation. However, it is not as effective as mouthwashes in protecting the mouth against bacteria and plaque for oral health.

How to Choose A Good Mouthwash

Mouthwashes are available differently for specific problems. Let’s see the best mouthwash for the specific problem you have!

THE PROBLEM

APPROPRIATE MOUTHWASH

If you have bad breath,

You should use cosmetic mouthwashes.

If you have a dry mouth,

You should use alcohol-free mouthwashes.

If you have gingivitis and gum diseases,

You should use a bit severe antiseptic mouthwashes.

If you have cavities, enamel loss, or tooth sensitivity,

You should use fluoride mouthwashes.

💡If you just want protection and prevention in your oral hygiene routine, you should choose fluoride mouthwashes.

💡There are mouthwashes for kids’ oral health. Kids should use those mouthwashes.

Mouthwashes to Avoid

The ingredients in some mouthwashes can cause conditions such as ulcers, oral cancer, dental cavities, dry mouth, and destruction of the oral microbiome. This happens when they are too harsh and destructive for the mouth and saliva.

  • ALCOHOL
  • PARABENS
  • TRICLOSAN
  • CHLORHEXIDINE
  • SACCHARIN
  • ARTIFICIAL COLORS AND SWEETENERS
  • SLS

How Often Should You Use Mouthwash?

You should use mouthwash once a day after regular brushing and flossing your teeth. There is no need for more than that.

If your doctor says it is okay to use twice a day, it can also be used twice a day.

With How Much Mouthwash Should You Rinse?

It may vary depending on the mouthwash used.

However, the generally recommended usage amount is 20 ml. This corresponds to 4-6 teaspoons.

Can You Use Mouthwash Too Much?

You shouldn’t be using too much mouthwash. Of course, there is a limit to the amount. 

Using too much can damage your gums, reduce taste sensitivity, cause dry mouth, and even cause inflammation.

When Is A Better Time to Use Mouthwash?

You can gargle with mouthwash 15 minutes after brushing and flossing your teeth. Thus, during the waiting period, the fluoride in the toothpaste penetrates the teeth thoroughly.

This routine should be applied in the morning before breakfast and at night before going to bed.

How Long After Eating or Drinking Can You Use Mouthwash?

You should wait 30 minutes before applying the oral routine. Then, you need to wait 15 minutes after flossing and brushing your teeth.

In total, you should wait about 45 minutes after eating and drinking to use mouthwash.

Is it OK to Drink Right After Mouthwash?

No. You can’t drink it right after mouthwash. Because this will dilute or even destroy the effects of mouthwash.

Therefore, you should wait for 30 minutes. This way, mouthwash can have positive effects on your teeth.

Is Mouthwash Dangerous?

No, mouthwashes are not dangerous.

Mouthwashes that contain too much alcohol are harsh, which can cause some problems. However, a mid-level mouthwash does not harm your oral microbiome or your general health. It functions as a complement to the oral care routine.

But for dangerous misuse is an issue. Swallowing an alcohol-based mouthwash or using too much can lead to misuse. It is dangerous if it happens.

What Happens If You Use Expired Mouthwash?

Expired mouthwashes lose their effectiveness and cause even harmful bacteria to form in the mouth. Plaque buildup and gingivitis occur. It also causes an unwanted taste in the mouth.

What Happens If You Drink Mouthwash?

If you swallow a very small amount, you may experience abdominal pain, but only temporarily.

However, on the contrary, it can be poisonous if swallowed in large amounts. If you feel even one of the symptoms after swallowing, you should contact your healthcare provider.

  • DIZZINESS
  • NAUSEA
  • SLEEPINESS
  • HEADACHE
  • LOW BODY TEMPERATURE
  • VOMITING

Does Mouthwash Stain Teeth?

Yes, mouthwashes can cause staining on teeth.

Teeth staining may occur, especially in people who use mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine. This is caused by the adhesion of chlorhexidine to both soft and hard tissues.

Is There a Connection Between Mouthwash and Diabetes?

According to a study published in the Journal of Nitric Oxide and conducted in Puerto Rico, it was found that mouthwashes reduce the level of nitric oxide in saliva, causing the antibacterial properties of saliva to be lost. Low nitric oxide affects insulin resistance. At this point, it is underlined that mouthwashes may cause diabetes.

However, although this is an event that can occur if mouthwash is used three or more times a day, it is not a definitive situation due to the lack of scientific evidence.

When Not to Use Mouthwash

There are times when you should not use mouthwash.

  • CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 6
  • IF YOU HAVE OPEN SORES OR WOUNDS IN YOUR MOUTH
  • IF YOU ARE UNDERGOING CHEMOTHERAPY
  • IF YOU JUST HAD ORAL SURGERY
  • IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO IT
  • IF YOU HAVE SENSITIVE GUMS AND TEETH
  • IF YOU DON’T BRUSH AND FLOSS

How to Use Mouthwash with Piercings 

If you have a piercing, the most important thing you should pay attention to when using mouthwash is to choose a non-alcoholic mouthwash. Alcohol damages the cells that are trying to heal, so it is dangerous to use alcohol mouthwash while having a piercing.

  • You should choose a non-alcoholic mouthwash.
  • Dilute the mouthwash with water if necessary.
  • Rinse your mouth without applying the mouthwash directly to the piercing.
  • Gargle for about 30 seconds.
  • After gargling, you can rinse your mouth with saline.
REFERENCES:

1-) Joshipura K, Muñoz-Torres F, Fernández-Santiago J, Patel RP, Lopez-Candales A. Over-the-counter mouthwash use, nitric oxide and hypertension risk. Blood Press. 2020 Apr;29(2):103-112. doi: 10.1080/08037051.2019.1680270. Epub 2019 Nov 11. PMID: 31709856; PMCID: PMC7125030.

2-) Radzki D, Wilhelm-Węglarz M, Pruska K, Kusiak A, Ordyniec-Kwaśnica I. A Fresh Look at Mouthwashes-What Is Inside and What Is It For? Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Mar 25;19(7):3926. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19073926. PMID: 35409608; PMCID: PMC8997378.

3-) Scannapieco F.A., Gershovich E. The Prevention of Periodontal Disease-An Overview. Periodontol. 2020;84:9–13. doi: 10.1111/prd.12330.

4-) Marinho VC, Chong LY, Worthington HV, Walsh T. Fluoride mouthrinses for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Jul 29;7(7):CD002284. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD002284.pub2. PMID: 27472005; PMCID: PMC6457869.

5-) Bosma ML, McGuire JA, Sunkara A, Sullivan P, Yoder A, Milleman J, Milleman K. Efficacy of Flossing and Mouthrinsing Regimens on Plaque and Gingivitis: A randomized clinical trial. J Dent Hyg. 2022 Jun;96(3):8-20. Erratum in: J Dent Hyg. 2022 Oct;96(5):5. PMID: 35654568.

6-) James P, Worthington HV, Parnell C, Harding M, Lamont T, Cheung A, Whelton H, Riley P. Chlorhexidine mouthrinse as an adjunctive treatment for gingival health. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Mar 31;3(3):CD008676. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD008676.pub2. PMID: 28362061; PMCID: PMC6464488.

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