As a way to treat bad breath, mouthwash was invented in the 1800s. It was originally made with alcohol and other harsh ingredients. However, over time, mouthwash formulas have become more sophisticated and less irritating.
Since mouthwash is a popular oral hygiene product that freshens breath, reduces plaque, and fights gingivitis, some users complain of stings during usage. If you are one of those seeking an answer to Why Does Mouthwash Sting, read this article now.
Table of contents
Is mouthwash supposed to burn?
It is not normal for mouthwash to burn. A mild tingling sensation is common, but a burning sensation should go away quickly after you spit out the mouthwash. If you experience a severe burning sensation, or if the burning sensation persists, stop using the mouthwash and talk to your dentist. If the stinging persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s recommended to seek professional dental advice.
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Why does mouthwash burn?
Mouthwash can burn for a few reasons. The most common reason is that it contains alcohol. Alcohol is a drying agent, and it can irritate the tissues in your mouth. This is especially true if you have sensitive teeth and gums.
Another common reason for mouthwash to burn is that it contains menthol. Menthol is a cooling agent that gives mouthwash its minty flavor. However, menthol can also be irritating, especially in high concentrations.
Other ingredients in mouthwash, such as chlorhexidine and essential oils, can also cause a burning sensation. Chlorhexidine is an antimicrobial agent that is used in some prescription mouthwashes. It is very effective at killing bacteria, but it can also be irritating to the mouth. Essential oils are sometimes added to mouthwash for their antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, some essential oils, such as peppermint and cinnamon, can be irritating to the mouth.
Finally, if you use mouthwash too often, it can also burn. This is because the ingredients in mouthwash can irritate the tissues in your mouth over time.
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Why does it sting when I use mouthwash?
If you experience a sting when using mouthwash, below are some possible causes:
- It contains one or more of the following ingredients:
- You are using the mouthwash too often. Using mouthwash too often can irritate the tissues in your mouth and lead to a burning sensation.
- You have dry mouth. A dry mouth can make your mouth more sensitive to the ingredients in mouthwash.
- You have open sores in your mouth. If you have open sores in your mouth, such as canker sores or cold sores, mouthwash can sting.
- You are allergic or sensitive to certain ingredients in mouthwash. Some people may be allergic or sensitive to certain ingredients in mouthwash, such as alcohol, menthol, or chlorhexidine.
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What can I do to reduce mouthwash Sting?
A few things you can do to reduce mouthwash sting include:
#1. Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash.
Alcohol is a common ingredient in mouthwash because it has antiseptic properties. However, alcohol can also dry out the mouth and irritate the tissues, leading to a burning sensation.
#2. Look for a mouthwash with a low menthol concentration.
Menthol is another common ingredient in mouthwash that can cause a burning sensation, especially in high concentrations.
#3. Avoid mouthwashes that contain chlorhexidine.
Chlorhexidine is a powerful antimicrobial agent that is used in some prescription mouthwashes. It is very effective at killing bacteria, but it can also be irritating to the mouth.
#4. Do not overuse mouthwash.
Using mouthwash too often can irritate the tissues in the mouth. It is generally recommended to use mouthwash no more than twice a day. Also, if you have open sores in your mouth, avoid using mouthwash until the sores have healed. Open sores can be irritated by the ingredients in mouthwash, causing a burning sensation.
#5. Drink plenty of water keep your mouth hydrated.
A dry mouth can make your mouth more sensitive to the ingredients in mouthwash.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not unusual for mouthwash to sting a little bit, especially if it contains alcohol or menthol.
Crest Pro-Health Multiprotection Mouthwash has been clinically proven to be safe and effective.
You should use mouthwash no more than twice a day. Overusing mouthwash can dry out your mouth and irritate the tissues.
Yes, you can use mouthwash if you have a dry mouth.
Conclusion
Understanding why mouthwash stings is the first step toward a more comfortable and effective oral care routine. In some cases, heightened sensitivity to mouthwash may be a sign of an underlying oral condition.
Read this article on why mouthwash stings and how to reduce its sting. However, if the stinging persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s recommended to seek professional dental advice.
References
- DeltadenTalks.com – 3 Reasons Your Mouthwash Burns
- Healthline.com – Is Mouthwash Supposed to Burn?
- Crest.com – Why Does Mouthwash Burn?
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