Yep. The Mouthwash You Use to Freshen Your Breath May Be Making Things Worse!
Want to hear something crazy? Americans spend about $2 billion per year on mouthwash. Market analysts say this is thanks to our increased awareness of the importance of oral health (remember this?) and our fundamental fear of having bad breath. The crazy part is that daily mouthwash use has a relatively small impact on oral health, and many can actually cause or exacerbate bad breath!
Birth of a Myth
Listerine® is the OG and, by far, the best-selling mouthwash in the US. The formula, developed in the late 19th century, was originally designed as a surgical antiseptic and floor cleaner! As scientists became more aware of the bacterial microorganisms in the human mouth, killing them with an antiseptic solution seemed like a good and healthy idea. Dr. Joseph Lawrence came up with the first formula and named it after the man who pioneered antiseptic surgical methods, Dr. Joseph Lister. His goal was to help as many people as possible maintain a healthy mouth.
In the 1920s, in order to sell more Listerine, marketers came up with a genius idea that is still in use today. They found an obscure Latin word for bad breath, halitosis, and instilled fear in the hearts of anyone who wanted to have a social life. No one really bothered to find out if Listerine reduced bad breath, instead they operated on the assumption that since bacteria can cause a bad smell, less bacteria would mean better breath. But those ads made an impact and that’s what started the mouthwash-bad breath connection! It’s also why we all know what halitosis means.
So, Mouthwash Doesn’t Cure Bad Breath?
Definitely not, because in order to cure bad breath you would need to cure the cause of your bad breath. Bad breath can be caused by bacteria combined with plaque, gum disease, dry mouth, digestive issues, sinus issues, diabetes, and other chronic conditions which can coat the tongue. These conditions can be exacerbated by eating certain foods and drinking coffee. So, mouthwash can temporarily freshen your breath by washing away some germs and food particles, but the effect doesn’t last very long. There is some evidence that mouthwash with fluoride can reduce bad breath. However, since almost every toothpaste contains fluoride, any extra in mouthwash is inconsequential. The really bad news is that mouthwash can have a rebound effect and make bad breath worse!
How Can Mouthwash Make Bad Breath Worse?
Some of the active ingredients in mouthwash that freshen our breath can also exacerbate our problem. Also, when we use mouthwash to freshen our breath, we are masking the symptoms of our underlying problem and allowing the problem to worsen.
- Antiseptic properties in mouthwash definitely kill bacteria, but they do so indiscriminately, killing the good bacteria with the bad. Using mouthwash too often can kill bacteria in the mouth, and they respond by repopulating more odor-causing bacteria. This could also reduce the effectiveness of your natural ability to fight pathogens and lessen your immunity.
- Most mouthwash contains alcohol, in many cases more than in a drink. While the alcohol and the minty flavor can temporarily make your breath feel fresh, alcohol dries out your mouth and a dry mouth is a major contributor to bad breath. Saliva naturally and constantly washes away smelly bacteria, but when our mouths are dry, bacteria can thrive.
- Mouthwash can wash away bacteria associated with plaque, but not the plaque itself. Plaque is a sticky film on your teeth, which can only be removed by brushing and flossing, not by swirling around an antiseptic liquid in your mouth. If the plaque remains, the bacteria will return and stick to it. You can’t see plaque, but you can feel it. If you run your tongue over your teeth and they feel fuzzy rather than smooth, then you have plaque. Try it before and after brushing and you’ll feel the difference. Plaque turns into hard deposits called tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist. If it isn’t, you’ll develop cavities or worse.
- The chemicals and alcohol in mouthwash can cause or irritate mouth sores, which can cause or worsen bad breath. Why would you put yourself through that?
- Using mouthwash to mask bad breath symptoms means you are not treating the underlying condition. This almost always makes matters worse.
That last concept reveals a universal truth about medical conditions. Too often, we treat our symptoms, like bad breath, pain, digestive issues, or sleep difficulties, without addressing what is causing those symptoms. While you may feel better, you are stuck with an unmanaged underlying condition.
The fact is a healthy body is an extraordinary piece of equipment. Left to its own devices, without mitigating conditions, it tends to manage all of our systems well and heal itself like Wolverine or Deadpool. Remember the drooling baby with sweet breath. By focusing on treating any underlying conditions, keeping your mouth clean, and staying hydrated, you won’t need to burn your wallet, or your tongue, on mouthwash.
The Good News About Bad Breath
Bad breath is one of our bodies’ personal alert systems. If you are suffering from bad breath, it is a good idea to try to figure out what is causing it. Once you do, not only can you eliminate the horror of halitosis, but you may also be able to manage or reverse a more serious underlying condition.
If you are generally healthy and want to keep bad breath at bay, there isn’t much that is new (sorry).
- Get your teeth cleaned regularly.
- Brush and floss daily.
- Stay hydrated.
- If necessary, use dry mouth sprays, gums, or rinses to keep your saliva flowing.
- Finally, there are those who swear by intra-day chewing on a carrot or raw coconut (that was the new one).
