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As society has advanced and people became more aware of the problems caused by bad oral health, there was a fast increase in the type of products available for cleaning and maintaining teeth. However, as the trends shifted, people also understood the value of a beautiful white smile and a minty fresh breath.
As a result, the dental care industry exploded and now it’s rather difficult to know which type of toothpaste or toothbrush you need. In addition, we have products for various age categories since one’s needs change throughout the years.
However, regardless of age and preferences, most of us use largely the same products: toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash. But are all of these necessary? More importantly, are all of them the best options for our health?
As it turns out, scientists have been asking the same questions and the results are not exactly positive. For instance, a recent study that researched the effects of synthetic mouthwashes discovered that frequent use, over a prolonged period of time, can lead to damaged DNA in the cheek cells. However, the issues only appear with synthetic mouthwashes, which are also the ones mostly available in stores and pharmacies.
Therefore, based on this study’s findings, we compared the effects of both natural and synthetic mouthwashes, and below you can read the results.
Safer Ingredients
While natural doesn’t always mean better, in this case it means using time-tested products that proved safe after centuries of use. Most commercial mouthwashes contain synthetic additives that have long-term effects on one’s overall health. In addition, modern products tend to use modern substances such as triclosan or SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) which are not part of the natural cycle and their effects are unknown for long-term use.
On the other hand, a natural rinse uses elements extracted from flowers, stems, roots, and more which have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. These are ingredients that the human organism knows and can easily tolerate over a long period of time.
Therefore, to avoid any unknown long-term effects, it’s best to think about finding a natural mouthwash brand that fits your needs. Most products will have natural products such as cinnamon, peppermint, or lavender – plants that are known for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Not All Bacteria Are Bad
The oral cavity is home for many types of bacteria, which is normal considering its function. As a result, improper oral care usually leads to cavities, gum diseases, infections, or bad breath (aka halitosis).
However proper oral care doesn’t mean getting rid of all bacteria. In fact, people who use aggressive antibacterial mouthwashes end up getting even more infections because these products eliminate even the bacteria that should be in there, fighting off the intruders. Moreover, alcohol-based products tend to dry up the oral mucosa which can lead to lesions and gum problems.
A natural mouthwash is gentle with the oral tissue and doesn’t wipe the entire population of bacteria in one rinse. Moreover, the natural ingredients are helpful in rehydrating the gums and providing support for the little fighters in there.
Wrap Up
Oral healthcare is crucial for a state of well-being and health regardless of age. As such, a natural mouth rinse is a great option for both children and seniors, especially since the oral health care for seniors also involves dentures or implants.
In summary, if you really want to use a mouthwash product, it’s best to stick with ones that feature natural ingredients that are easy to recognize. This is the best long-term approach when it comes to oral health.
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