COSMETICS AND BATHROOM PRODUCTS:MOUTHWASH

MOUTHWASH

A mouthwash may be defined as a nonsterile aqueous solution used mostly for its deodorant, refreshing, or antiseptic effect. Mouthwashes or rinses, when used as an adjunct to regular oral hygiene methods such as flossing and brushing, are designed to reduce oral bacteria, remove food particles, temporarily diminish acute halitosis, and provide a pleasant oral aftertaste. While the above functions are classified by the FDA as those of cosmetic rinses sold over the counter, FDA-classified therapeutic rinses sold by prescription or over the counter contain added ingredients that assist in protecting the consumer against some oral diseases and are approved by the American Dental Association.

Mouthwash ingredients vary, but common active ingredients in anti- septic rinses include alcohol, chlorohexidine gluconate, cetylpyridinium chloride, benzoic acid (acts as a buffer), or hexidine. In addition, many contain essential oils that possess antibacterial properties, including phe- nol, thymol, or eugenol. Some rinses contain high levels of alcohol, ranging from 18 to 26 percent. This may lead some consumers to sense burning in the cheeks, teeth, and/or gums. In addition, intoxication may result if alcohol-containing rinses are swallowed or used excessively and is potentially lethal in children exposed to small doses. Chlorohexidine gluconate is quite effective as an antimicrobial agent and an inhibitor of plaque and calculus formation, but it may stain teeth in extended use. Cetylpyridinium chloride has bactericidal in addition to antiplaque activ- ities. In general, oral antiseptic agents aid in reducing bacterial growth that leads to plaque formation but do little to prevent oral diseases such as gingivitis and periodontal disease. Rinses of any kind are not recom- mended as substitutes for regular dental professional examinations and proper home care, including brushing with fluoride toothpaste and floss- ing. This recommendation is warranted because chronic halitosis and an unpleasant oral taste are potential indicators of oral diseases.

Some other active ingredients in mouthwashes that assist in fighting plaque and halitosis are triclosan (an antiplaque agent with anti-inflamma- tory properties), peroxide and perborates (antiplaque and oxygenating agents), and chlorine dioxide (reduces halitosis by reducing the concen- tration of volatile sulfur compounds). Mouthwashes may also contain chemicals such as glycerin (provides substance to formula and acts as a humectant), sweeteners (e.g., sodium saccharin), buffers (e.g., sodium benzoate), flavors, coloring, and emulsifiers (e.g., polysorbate 80) that help stabilize flavor oils in mouthwash base. Interestingly, rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash has been shown to provide benefit to oral health over rinsing with water alone or with a nonfluoride mouthwash. As fluo- ride has been shown to strengthen tooth enamel, fluoride mouthwash may be used by consumers with an excessive tendency toward tooth decay or by those living in areas with inadequate fluoride in the water supply.

Nutritional supplements have recently been included in some brands of non-alcohol-based mouthwashes marketed as “natural products” and may include supplements absorbed through the gums during consumer use, such as folic acid (reduces gum inflammation and bleeding and binds to toxins secreted by plaque-forming bacteria) and zinc (antiplaque and antibacterial properties). Myrrh and clove oils are often added to these products, as they may have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties along with controlling halitosis.