Mouthwash has a surprisingly long history, with its earliest forms dating back to ancient civilizations. The Romans and Greeks used a variety of natural ingredients, such as vinegar, saltwater, and wine, to freshen their breath and clean their mouths. However, the modern concept of mouthwash as we know it began to take shape in the 19th century. In the 1800s, antiseptic solutions were developed, primarily for surgical use, and soon after, these solutions were marketed for oral hygiene.
In the early 20th century, commercial mouthwash brands emerged, and aggressive marketing campaigns promoted the idea that mouthwash was essential for fresh breath and overall oral health. Companies like Listerine popularized mouthwash, presenting it as a cure-all for bad breath, gum disease, and other oral health issues. This marketing created a perception that mouthwash was indispensable.
Mouthwash vs. Toothpaste: Redundant roles in oral care
When it comes to oral hygiene, toothpaste and mouthwash are often seen as complementary products. However, they essentially perform similar functions. Toothpaste, combined with a toothbrush, physically removes plaque, food particles, and bacteria from teeth and gums. When you swish toothpaste around your mouth, it also reaches to the areas that brushing alone might miss, similar to mouthwash.
Mouthwash, on the other hand, is primarily a liquid solution designed to kill bacteria, reduce plaque, and freshen breath. One should be aware that, mouthwash helps to temporarily mask the bad breath, it doesn’t work on fixing the underlying cause of bad breath.
When compared to toothpaste, mouthwash doesn't offer any significant additional benefits. In fact, swishing water after brushing can have a comparable effect to mouthwash, removing leftover food particles and bacteria. However, the other way round does not hold good. It means, if you think only using mouthwash is enough, and will save your time and water also so you reduce brushing it’s never advisable. Brushing teeth is important.
In addition, traditionally and even today many mouthwash have some alcohol content. And it is not advisable to swallow it. So, it is not safe for consumption, people are at risk if they accidentally ingest it. Studies and many dentists recommend not to regularly use these. Regular or excessive use of alcohol-based mouthwashes can dry out saliva in the mouth, because of the drying nature of alcohol, which can lead to tooth sensitivity, bad breath, and even cavities. That’s the reason big companies did launch alcohol free ones.
My personal experience is it’s too difficult to hold the mouthwash in mouth, even the kids one- without alcohol. The tingling sensation it gives, ends up in tears in my eyes. Maybe my mouth is too sensitive!
But, all above doesn’t mean that mouthwash cannot be used.
The environmental and financial costs of mouthwash
One of the most overlooked aspects of mouthwash is its environmental and financial impact. The production, packaging, and transportation of mouthwash contribute significantly to its carbon footprint. Here's a closer look at the hidden costs:
carbon footprint: Mouthwash is mostly water, often up to 95% of its composition. Transporting large volumes of a primarily water-based product across long distances is highly inefficient and energy-intensive, leading to a substantial carbon footprint. Research1 says if 1 person uses mouthwash daily for 5 years, it has a carbon footprint of ~84 Kg. [1]
Packaging Waste: Mouthwash is typically sold in single-use plastic bottles. Given the frequency with which people are encouraged to use mouthwash, this results in a significant amount of plastic waste.
Financial Expense: Consumers spend millions of dollars annually on mouthwash, paying for a product that is largely water with some added antiseptic and flavoring agents. This money could be saved or spent on more essential oral care products like toothpaste and floss.
Considering the redundancy of mouthwash in daily oral hygiene routines and its environmental impact, it's worth rethinking if
Stick to the basics: Brushing with toothpaste twice a day and if required flossing daily, is the most effective ways to maintain oral health.
Use water wisely: After brushing, rinse your mouth with water. This simple act can help remove any remaining particles and freshen your breath without the need for mouthwash.
Choose eco-friendly products: If you still prefer using a mouth rinse, consider making your own at home with simple ingredients like saltwater or baking soda, reducing both cost and environmental impact.
A call for conscious Oral Care
Rethink your reliance on mouthwash and consider more sustainable practices that benefit both your oral health and the environment. For further reading and tips on eco-friendly oral care, explore resources on sustainable living and health-conscious practices. Together, we can reduce our carbon footprint and embrace a more efficient, effective approach to oral hygiene.Lets pledge to be more conscious for our oral care with betterliving.
Reference:
[1] "Mouthwashes: Alternatives and Future Directions" October 2023 by International Dental Journal 73(2)
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