Mouthwash

Mouthwash is a dental rinse used to freshen breath and reduce the bacterial population in the mouth. It can have other uses as well such as teeth whitening.iVillage: Mouthwash Summary

Unlike gums, mints, breath sprays and strips, which just cover bad breath, mouthwash usually freshens breath and kills the bacteria that causes it. There are many types of breath fighting mouthwash on the market. Some, such as TheraBreath, work with oxidizers to eliminate the smell while others use zinc ions. Many mouthwashes contain alcohol, and while they kill the bacteria, they can also cause a burning sensation and dry out the tissues in the mouth.iVillage: Mouthwash Summary

Rinse with mouthwash once or twice a day after brushing and flossing. Usually a cap-full or about an eighth of a cup of mouthwash is used. Swish around inside the mouth for 30 seconds then spit. Rinsing afterwards with water is fine unless the instructions say otherwise.iVillage: Mouthwash Summary

Australian Professor and researcher Michael McCullough warns that mouthwash containing alcohol may cause Oral Cancer, and lists Scope and Listerine as examples. He believes there is enough evidence suggesting dentists should not recommend long-term use to their patients. The New Zealand Ministry of Health has also made statements about using these types of mouthwashes, encouraging people to only use them if advised by dentists.The Consumerist: That Burning From Mouthwash? It's Cancer (January 11, 2009)