Interestingly, a dentist in Manassas says mouthwash is not always the best remedy for bad breath. Many dentists feel that using no mouthwash is better for patients with bad breath. Read on to learn why using mouthwash may really be making your foul breath worse rather than improving it.
It Dries Out Your Mouth
Most mouthwashes include alcohol, which, according to experts at places such as Cascades Center for Dental Health, dries out your mouth. Some products have an alcohol content of up to 25%, which is greater than wine or beer! Your salivary glands can become damaged by alcohol ingredients, such as ethyl alcohol or acetaldehyde. Your salivary glands will eventually suffer damage, leaving you with a dry mouth.
Here’s another thing that happens when you use mouthwash straight after brushing your teeth that you might not be aware of. Cationic substances that function as surfactants are found in mouthwash. You have anionic chemicals in your toothpaste. Cations constantly balance anions. Your mouthwash and toothpaste’s neutralizing impact can exacerbate the drying out of your cheeks and foster an environment ideal for mouth ulcers and foul breath.
How Dry Mouth Leads to Bad Breath
According to a dentist in Manassas, saliva keeps your mouth bacteria in a symbiotic and balanced state. It keeps the pH balanced and prevents certain germs from growing or becoming out of control. You can’t get rid of dangerous bacteria if you don’t produce enough saliva. This may make foul breath worse. Additionally, chemical mouthwashes eliminate all types of germs. This alters the balance between healthy and bad bacteria, allowing harmful bacteria to flourish and lead to foul breath.
