Mouthwash

Mouthwash or mouthrinse is a product used by some as part of their daily oral hygiene routine although most dentists would agree that regular brushing and proper flossing is enough. There are claims that antiseptic and anti-plaque mouth rinse kill the bacterial plaque causing cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath and anti-cavity mouth rinse using fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. However, it is generally agreed that using of mouthwash does not eliminate the need for brushing and flossing.

History of Mouthwash

Researches have found evidence suggesting that many ancient cultures practiced oral hygiene. Recipes for teeth-cleaning and breath-freshening usage that date back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, Greek, and Roman cultures were found. The ingredients included charcoal, fruits, tree barks, dried flowers and leaves and even human urine. The Romans discovered the bleaching properties of ammonia and urine has ammonia. Due to its powerful cleaning attributes, the Roman used it as mouthwash.

Anton van Leeuwenhoek, a famous 17th century microscopist, discovered living organisms in deposits (dental plaque) on the teeth. At the same time, he also found organisms in water from the canal next to his home. He experimented with the water samples by adding vinegar or brandy and found that this resulted in the immediate immobilization or killing of the organisms suspended in water. Next he tried rinsing his mouth and someone else’s with a mouthwash containing vinegar or brandy and found that the living organisms remained in the dental plaque. He concluded that the mouthwash either did not reach the dental plaque, or was not present long enough to kill the living organisms. Although van Leeuwenhoek’s experiment with mouthwash was not successful, his discovery of antiseptic products had help prevent infections.

Different mouthwash formulas were experimented with over the years and eventually ammonia was replaced with alcohol. The first antiseptic mouthwash was developed by a German professor in 1893 and be marketed commercially by the name – Odol. The name comes from the Greek word, Oduos (tooth) and the Latin word, oleum (oil). It is a mild antiseptic mouthwash made mostly from essential oil such as peppermint oil, clove oil, anise oil, lavender oil etc. Odol is still sold today and is the leading oral care brand in Germany.

After the discovery of the use of antiseptic by Anton van Leeuwenhoek. It was not used for medicine until in the 1860s, English physician, Joseph Lister sterilized his surgery instruments and the operating area with his antiseptic formula. These germ-killing methods helped prevent infections. About 10 years later, two other doctors named the antiseptic product, Listerine after Dr. Lister and marketed it under the Lambert Company as a disinfectant for surgery. At around 1895, they also tried to sell it as a mouthwash to kill bacteria but with little success. After the First World War, the Lambert Company decided to market Listerine as a product that would eliminate bad breath and it became a success.

Since then commercial interest in mouthrinse has heightened and many newer products have surfaced, each claiming effectiveness in reducing the build-up in dental plaque, preventing gums diseases and getting rid of bad breath.

Health Risks of Alcohol-containing Mouthwashes

A review published in the Australian Dental Journal in 2008, citated sufficient evidence of the possible connections between the increased risk of developing of oral cancer and the use of alcohol-containing mouthwashes.

In the light of such findings, it is advisable to restrict the use of alcohol-containing mouthrinse to short-term. Alternatively non-alcohol based or herbal mouthrinse may be a better choice and equally effective.

It is important to remember that no mouthwash either alcohol based or organic, even if it recommended by your dentist, is a replacement for your daily oral care routine of brushing and flossing.