BENEFITS AND EFFECTS OF USE MOUTHWASH

Name : Rany Risma Wardhani

Nim    : 221051071

Class  : Gigi B

BENEFITS AND EFFECTS OF USE MOUTHWASH

    Mouthwash is an antiseptic liquid known for its efficacy in eliminating bad breath. Mouthwash is used to complement your teeth and mouth cleaning routine, although mouthwash can provide many benefits, its use should not be arbitrary because side effects can occur if misused. This liquid works by killing bacteria in places that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush. In addition to reducing bad breath, mouthwash has many other benefits depending on the ingredients.

Mouthwash has several benefits in maintaining healthy teeth and oral cavity, namely :

1. Eliminate bad breath

    Mouthwash contains active antimicrobial ingredients such as cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine which can reduce the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath. In addition, some oral products also contain natural ingredients such as cinnamon, peppermint or tea tree which can freshen breath.

2. Reduce plaque 

    Plaque is a sticky film on the surface of the teeth that is formed in the mouth from a mixture of bacteria and food particles. If plaque is not removed, plaque will accumulate on the tartar. And can cause inflammation of the gums and bleeding or also known as gingivitis. The antimicrobial content in mouthwash is not only useful for reducing bad breath, but can also reduce plaque by inhibiting bacterial growth and reducing the ability of bacteria to stick to tooth surfaces.

3. Prevent caries and cavities

    Caries is tooth decay which is characterized by the appearance of yellow-brown or black spots on the surface of the teeth. If left untreated, dental caries deepen and develop into tooth decay. To prevent caries and cavities, you can use a mouthwash that contains fluoride as an active ingredient that strengthens the tooth surface and protects teeth from damage.

4. Overcoming canker sores

    The next benefit of mouthwash is to overcome infections in the mouth such as canker sores and inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). This is supported by several studies showing that mouthwash containing povidone iodine or neem leaf extract can prevent the growth of bacteria that cause canker sores in the mouth and reduce symptoms associated with inflammation

Mouthwash Side Effects

Although mouthwashes offer many benefits, they can cause side effects under certain conditions. The following are some of the side effects that may occur when using mouthwash:

1. dry mouth

    Most of the oral products on the market contain alcohol, which acts as an antiseptic and removes bacteria from the teeth and oral cavity. For some people, especially those with xerostomia or dry mouth, mouthwashes that contain alcohol can actually worsen their condition. Therefore, xerostomia sufferers are advised to use alcohol-free mouthwashes. Also, choose a fluoride mouthwash whenever possible, as dry mouth can increase the risk of dental caries and cavities.

2. Aggravate inflammation in the mouth

    Do not use alcohol mouthwash if you have an oral infection such as thrush. Even though it functions as an antiseptic, using alcohol-based mouthwash can actually irritate canker sores and make them more painful.

3. Causes allergic reactions

    In very rare cases, some ingredients in mouthwash, such as fluoride and chlorhexidine, can cause an allergic reaction such as itching and burning in the mouth, swelling of the gums or tongue, or shortness of breath.

    In addition, mouthwash that is accidentally ingested in large quantities can also cause symptoms of poisoning such as nausea, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, and seizures. Therefore, mouthwash should not be given to children, especially children under 6 years of age. This is because the child cannot wash his mouth properly, so that the mouthwash can be accidentally swallowed and poisoned. Mouthwash can actually help prevent tooth decay. However, mouthwash cannot replace the importance of brushing your teeth twice a day which is the most important way to maintain healthy teeth and mouth.