Do you wonder why after repeatedly brushing your teeth and tongue, and even rinse with mouthwash daily, you still struggle with bad breath and other issues? There could an underlying problem.

Experts define mouth rinses or mouthwashes as antibacterial solutions used as an effective homecare system to enhance oral hygiene.

There is no doubt that mouthwash is known to keep one’s tongue healthy, offer fresh clean breath and wash away cavity as it contains fluoride, among other benefits, but experts weigh-in on its demerits as well.

Dr AbduKadir Mamataliev, a dentist at Deva Medical Center-Nyarutarama, says that although mouthwash is to get rid of bad breath, sometimes its mints mask the odour for just a short time, leaving the condition untreated.

In such cases, you could be having another issue, which is why visiting a dentist is advisable for check-up, to propose medical solutions or treatment, he adds.

He also notes that overuse of mouthwash can leave the mouth dry, thus resulting in teeth sensitivity, which is instigated by the lack of saliva in the mouth. This leaves the teeth bare and exposed.

Dr Mamataliev further explains that mouthwash with high alcohol content can damage the delicate mucus membranes in the mouth, and if accidentally swallowed by children of six to 12 years, they’re likely to suffer from convulsion (a general term used to describe uncontrollable muscle contractions), or comatose (a state of a coma, or being unconscious).

He urges using non-alcoholic mouthwash because that which contains alcohol may irritate the mouth and cause a burning sensation.

Some studies have shown that mouthwashes containing alcohol can have a negative effect on soft tissue in the mouth. This has been linked to oral cancer, though more research is needed.

According to Dr Mamataliev, certain mouthwashes contain heavy dyes that can essentially stain the teeth. Additionally, excessive use of mouthwash kills good bacteria, these are natural protections to fight pathogens (organisms that cause disease). Since mouthwash is considered antibacterial, it kills bacteria extensively.

Healthline states that you should cut back or discontinue mouthwash use if you experience any of the following symptoms; persistent or inflamed canker sores, bleeding gums when you use mouthwash, dry mouth, pain or sensitivity when you brush your teeth after using mouthwash, or teeth staining.

Children under the age of six shouldn’t use mouthwash, and kids over six should be supervised whenever they use mouthwash, according to Healthline. If you have sores in your mouth, have a compromised immune system, or you’re currently undergoing chemotherapy, you might want to avoid using mouthwash.

How to use mouthwash

Dr Mamataliev explains that while using the mouthwash, swish the rinse around your mouth carefully, and make sure your mouth is closed and teeth somewhat apart as you rinse.

He says that some people use more quantity, thinking that the results will be better, which isn’t advisable, rather, he notes that only use the right amount of mouthwash as indicated on the label or as prescribed by your dentist.

The dental expert says that rinse your mouth due to the period recommended on the label or as approved by your dentist. Usually, the rinse time lasts for 30 seconds.

He also recommends spitting all of the mouthwash after rinsing, and warns against eating or smoking after mouth washing for at least 30 minutes, or as advised by a dentist. Mouthwash should be used after brushing and flossing the teeth.

Please note that not all mouthwash is harmful to use, but Dr Mamataliev urges using the one without alcohol. Alternatively, he says that oral hygiene can be maintained by brushing twice a day and flossing.