Mouthwash offers a variety of benefits. It can freshen your breath by killing the bacteria associated with bad breath. Mouthwash can also prevent plaque from building up on your gums, in between your teeth, and on the surface of your teeth in between brushing. In addition, mouthwash can rinse out any loose particles in your mouth and make brushing and flossing more effective. Mouthwash may prevent cavities and strengthen your enamel as well.
By regularly brushing and flossing your teeth and using mouthwash to keep your mouth smelling fresh and healthy, you can achieve optimal oral health. Recently, we had a patient ask us a great question about mouthwash. They wondered whether swallowing mouthwash is bad for them.
Here’s what we had to say: When you use mouthwash, you should make every effort not to swallow it. However, accidents can happen and the rinse may make its way down your throat and into your stomach. If this happens to you, remain calm and realize that the worst possible thing that can happen is nausea and diarrhea. These symptoms should go away after a few days if you do experience them.
One of the best ways to reduce the risk of swallowing mouthwash is to use mouthwash when you’re not distracted. Close the bathroom door and make sure you are free from kids, pets, or anyone else that may distract you. In the event you do swallow mouthwash and experience symptoms like dizziness, breathing challenges, and drowsiness, go to the Emergency Room immediately. These symptoms may arise if you’ve swallowed mouthwash with ingredients such as ethanol and fluoride.
Contact Costa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
For more information on mouthwash and what happens when you swallow it, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Call us at 703-757-0833 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!