Mouthwash is generally meant to be swished around in the mouth for 30 to 60 seconds. Make sure you follow the directions on your specific bottle. Swishing for less than 30 seconds isn't usually enough time for the mouthwash to be effective while swishing for longer than a minute won't give you any additional benefits.
General Advice for Using Mouthwash
Swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds to a full minute. Spit out the mouthwash into the sink after this period of time.
Most mouthwash products recommend that you use them twice per day, after brushing and flossing.
Swish for a full 30 seconds (try counting to 30 in your head or using a stopwatch). Don't worry if you can't get to 30 seconds the first time – it gets easier each time you try. During rinsing, gargle in your mouth. Spit the solution out in the sink.
Short answer: It doesn't matter. However, if you are using a fluoride toothpaste, wait at least 30 minutes before you rinse (yes, even a fluoride one) as it'll wash away the fluoride from the toothpaste before it can do its job. If you do use a fluoride mouthwash, wait 30 minutes before you eat or drink.
You then rinse the mouthwash continuously around your mouth, making sure the liquid is comes into contact with all areas of your teeth. Gargle for at least 30-60 seconds. This helps to ensure that the mouthwash can reach the back of your tongue and fight the bacteria there.
Well a short 30-second mouthwash investment can result in a clear reduction in dental issues such as plaque and gingivitis. Other benefits that come from committing to a regular dental regime that includes mouthwash include: Fresher breath: mouthwash can make your mouth feel and smell fresher.
If you have only swallowed a small amount of mouthwash, there is no need to panic or worry. You might not experience any side effects or you might experience a little bit of nausea and diarrhea. These symptoms will pass in a couple days. It's important to make a goal for yourself to not swallow the mouthwash again.
Use a mouth rinse before bed
For an added boost to oral health, consider using a mouthwash or rinse before bed. A rinse will help to remove bacteria from your mouth and can effectively help prevent cavities.
It destroys the bacterial balance in your mouth, dries out the skin, causes imbalances in pH levels, worsens bad breath, may cause mouth ulcers and increase your risk for oral cancer, and it may contribute to the development of gingivitis.
Gargling mouthwash can kill and reduce bacteria in the mouth that could be causing a sore throat. Mouthwash has recently been found to be disruptive to viruses, including COVID. Try the original brown Listerine for a potent antiseptic.
Using a mouthwash that contains fluoride can help prevent tooth decay, but don't use mouthwash (even a fluoride one) straight after brushing your teeth or it'll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste left on your teeth. Choose a different time to use mouthwash, such as after lunch.
Alcohol does have the ability to kill germs, but mouthwash doesn't contain enough alcohol for that to happen. Instead, it's there to act as a vehicle for other ingredients. It can also serve to dry out the mouth. The actual burning sensation doesn't come from the alcohol itself.
Mouthwash can be helpful to freshen your breath and cleanse areas your toothbrush can't reach. However, saltwater rinses are generally cheaper and can be equally effective in improving your oral health and hygiene, says Dr. Chris Kammer, DDS, a dental surgeon.
Can You Overuse Mouthwash? One of the main ingredients in mouthwash is alcohol. Alcohol destroys bacteria, but it can also cause harm to your gums, inner cheeks and tongue if over used. The alcohol itself has a drying property that will absorb the moisture from your mouth and cause the affected areas to dry out.
Since the risk of swallowing any liquid is great with gargling, salt water is the most safe and effective solution you can use.
Mouthwash can be used every day if instructed by your dentist. However, make sure to also follow the instructions on your specific product, including how often to use it and how much to use.
Once plaque gets onto your teeth, you have a limited amount of time to remove it before it hardens. Most plaque hardens within 48 hours of formation, and within several days it will become so hard that it is almost impossible to remove.
Possible effects of alcohol in mouthwash. If it feels like your mouthwash burns the tongue or gum areas, then the most likely cause is the alcohol (ethanol) in the formulation. It's the most common agent in mouthwash responsible for that burning feeling that's typically experienced on the tongue and gums.
Using mouthwash several times a day for a long period of time may cause more harm than good, especially if you're using an alcohol-based brand. Alcohol can irritate the soft tissues of the mouth and may also cause dry mouth.
You can spit it out as the need may arise. However, eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes is not advisable as it will lead to the washing-off of the mouthwash from the mouth and thus hinder with its efficacy. Also, rinsing with a mouthwash immediately after brushing is also not recommended.
A general rule of thumb for safe use is to limit the use of mouthwash to one time per day, in conjunction with brushing the teeth and flossing two to three times per day and visiting the dentist one to two times per year for routine oral health exams and screenings for oral cancers.
In case of accidental swallowing of mouthwash, it is best to first monitor yourself. A word of caution, no matter what, do not try to make yourself vomit. Call for help if you feel your heart rate is increasing rapidly or facing difficulty in breathing.
You can use mouthwash prior to brushing to remove any food debris and plaque build-up in your mouth to set yourself up for a good cleaning. One important thing to note is that if you're using fluoride toothpaste, don't use mouthwash for at least 30 minutes after brushing!