
Is mouthwash necessary in an oral care routine?
- 26 studies show strong evidence that essential oils in mouthwash can improve oral health
- Brushing and flossing alone may not be enough
- The development of active ingredients in mouthwash means that it is more effective than ever in contributing to great oral health
It’s time to forget everything you think you know about mouthwash. Whilst it has become a staple in many bathrooms across the globe, there still appears to be some misinformation about how and when to use it. Luckily, ongoing research into oral care means that we can continually improve our oral care rituals
Variations of mouthwash are first documented in Indian Ayurveda. Formulas vary but most seem to reference salt, celery and vinegar - It’s safe to assume that this wasn’t meant for fresh breath. Commercial mouthwash that we would recognise today came about in the late 19th Century
Is mouthwash necessary?
Dr Carter, OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation suggests; “While mechanical cleaning dislodges plaque bacteria, data suggests that this is not enough in a majority of people to maintain good levels of oral health. Therefore, as an addition to brushing and interdental cleaning, we would recommend the use of an effective antimicrobial mouthwash.”
So, in short, yes. It should be noted that all research indicates that mouthwash is not a substitute for cleaning and flossing. Rather it compliments good oral care practice.
How does mouthwash work?
Depending on the ingredients, mouthwash can serve a few different functions.
Flush away food and bacteria:The action of swishing with a mouthwash helps to flush away tiny particles of food and bacteria, helping to reduce the risk of plaque and gum disease and keeping the mouth fresh.
Antibacterial and antiseptic properties: Traditional mouthwash began as an antiseptic that was used both orally and to treat wounds. Common active ingredients in commercial ingredients include alcohol and chlorhexidine. Both act to kill germs and bacteria in our mouths.
Breath Freshener: It seems obvious, swishing with a mint flavoured mouthwash will leave your breath feeling minty fresh. But it can also help eliminate food and bacteria that causes bad breath.
The problem with commercial mouthwash
Mouthwash is getting a bit of a bad rep at the moment. The problem with mouthwash is two fold:
Many people aren't using it right: Most people grab the mouthwash straight after brushing. Swishing straight after brushing can prevent the toothpaste ingredient from working, especially if you are using a fluoride toothpaste
Mouthwashes can contain alcohol and chlorhexidine. Alcohol is used in mouthwashes as a solvent to help dissolve active ingredients, as well as being an antiseptic. Chlorhexidine is an active ingredient found in many medicated mouthwashes. As a disinfectant, and antiseptic it is effective at preventing gum disease and plaque bacteria. However both alcohol and chlorhexidine can be having a negative effect on our oral health. Studies show that alcohol is linked to mouth cancer, and both alcohol and chlorhexidine can strip away the good bacteria in our mouths that promote oral health.
When choosing a mouthwash, we think it's best to avoid these ingredients. We've created a natural mouthwash that promotes oral health through the use of prebiotic aloe vera, and added probiotics. This way it can help flush away food and bacteria, freshen breath, and help prevent plaque whilst supporting the oral microbiome.
When should you use mouthwash?
Mouthwash will be more effective after a meal like lunch or dinner. It is best to floss before using mouthwash to help the mouthwash reach in between your teeth. If you brush your teeth first thing in the morning, and then have breakfast, use mouthwash after eating to leave the house feeling fresh.
Does Mouthwash Remove Plaque?
Used alone, mouthwash can help to fight the bacteria that cause plaque. To be really effective at actually removing plaque, mouthwash needs to be used as well as brushing and flossing.
Studies show overwhelming evidence that regularly using mouthwash can help in both the short and long term when it comes to reducing plaque.
More recent research is highlighting the benefits of ingredients that can vastly improve mouthwashes for even better results. Research in 2017 that looked at 26 different studies concluded that mouthwashes containing essential oils significantly help to reduce the bacteria that cause plaque.
Mouthwash and gum disease
Whilst this may not always have been the case, the development of active ingredients over the last decade has meant that there are mouthwashes that can actively help to stop the development of gum disease.
In particular, Chlorhexidine has consistently proven to be effective in fighting plaque and bacteria.
Even better news is that Aloe Vera has been proven to be just as successful as a natural substitute for chlorhexidine, bringing all of the benefits and working well with probiotics to tackle gum disease.
Getting the most from your oral care ritual
You are now armed with all the most up-to-date information to know when and why to add mouthwash to your oral care ritual.
Remember to use mouthwash after meals, not after brushing.
Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the good bacteria.
Use mouthwash alongside your regular oral care routine to keep you feeling fresh throughout the day.
Happy swishing!
Sources
Tatiana V. Macfarlane et al, Mouthwash Use in General Population: Results from Adult Dental Health Survey in Grampian, Scotland, (2010), Journal of Oral and Maxillofac Research
Oral Health Foundation (2020) ‘National Smile Month 2020 Survey’, UK, April 2020.
NHS, ”How To Keep Your Teeth Clean” (reviewed Feb 2022)
Fahad Ali Alshehri, The use of mouthwash containing essential oils (LISTERINE®) to improve oral health: A systematic review, (2017) Saudi Dental Journal
Meenakshi Rajendiran, Recent Development of Active Ingredients in Mouthwashes and Toothpastes for Periodontal Diseases, (2021), Molecules
Let customers speak for us
from 629 reviewsI just love the taste and clean teeth

I ordered a spatula as we've always used a wooden one & wanted something more hygenic & ended up with 3 because I hadn't noticed I'd clicked on toothpaste complete with a spatula so each pot I received came with their own so we now have plenty of easy to clean spatulas!

Happy to buy these after my dentist gave me the plastic version which I don't want to use then these popped up on Truthpaste.

Love it, leaves my teeth/mouth feeling clean and fresh, though I have previously used the wintergreen flavoured toothpaste and I do prefer the flavour of that one. Both gave the same cleaning and whitening experience though I prefer the blast of fresh wintergreen flavour :)
Any chance of a charcoal based toothpaste with the wintergreen ingredients?!?! :)
Overall love your toothpastes, brand, everything! Great price, quality and beliefs

Makes cleaning my teeth something I look forward to. A pleasant experience without the normal foaming quality and with the thought that you have put something much more wholesome in your mouth. Teeth feel clean and the taste is much more subtle than ordinary pastes.

I have been using this toothpaste for over a year now. It leaves a lovely fresh taste and I like to use plastic free products.

This amazing mouth wash works really well and tastes delicious 😋

Very handy for getting that toothpaste powder from the jar

I really like this one. It has got rid of my bad breath, and my teeth feel really clean after using it. It is definitely one of my favourites, along with the wintergreen. And best of all, its fluoride free.

they sent it i got it and its ok no bad stuff like SLS, Fluoride, Carregeenan etc...

Better than any of the competition. So easy to use and reach those little corners. Love the long handle. Last so much longer as well. A joy to use!!

This is my second order from truthpaste. This is a great bundle to add to my collection as it has the mouthwash cup and I needed more toothpaste, mouthwash and floss and I now have a spare spatula for my travel bag. Ordered the fennel toothpaste this time having tried all the flavours - this one is my favourite. Great products.

I have tried all the truthpaste flavours and the charcoal Peppermint & Spearmint is my favourite! I keep coming back to Truthpaste every time. My dentist has even commented that my brushing has improved.. of course it has! I'm no longer using harsh chemicals! Thank you truthpaste for providing us with excellent products!

My children love this toothpaste and use it without any issues.

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