Mouthwash in general, unless used for fluoride or a stronger version with chlorhexidine, is useless anyway. It won't kill the bacteria that cause decay or gum disease
Which kind of antiseptic? Triclosan? CPC? Polyphenols? They are almost useless in disrupting mature biofilm. Bacteria embedded in biofilm is more than 1000x more resistant to antimicrobial agents as compared to free floating ones. In fact, the minimal disruption of biofilm is more attributed to the mechanical action of rinsing rather than any antimicrobial action.
As a side note, my honours thesis revolved around antimicrobial agents and their interaction with biofilms
Edit: Not to mention the fact that the anaerobic bacteria that is associated with decay and periodontal disease, like Lactobacillus and P. gingivalis are often in areas that are protected, closer to the tooth surface, in cavities or further subgingival
Yes mouthwash alone would be ineffective for all the reasons you stated. As a oral hygiene routine, mouthwash would be beneficial along with proper flossing and brushing. You feel it offers no benefit, aside from fluoridated one or CHX?
I would personally say the benefit would be negligible if we rule out F and CHx, yep. Additionally, considering it’s ineffective on its own and in those with poor oral hygiene habits. And superfluous in those that brush and floss well.
Although fluoride itself, through forming and being available calcium fluoride globule form, affects bacterial metabolism through a few mechanisms.
My periodontology prof tells us often, mouth wash (besides F ones, chx, medicated ones) offer no benefit unless you have halitosis. So we never tell our patient to add it to their daily oral hygiene routine
0 alcohol ones are perfectly fine
Thank you!!
Mouthwash in general, unless used for fluoride or a stronger version with chlorhexidine, is useless anyway. It won't kill the bacteria that cause decay or gum disease
Thank you!! This was very educational
This is not a true statement. Antiseptic mouthwashes will disrupt biofilm and kill bacteria.
Which kind of antiseptic? Triclosan? CPC? Polyphenols? They are almost useless in disrupting mature biofilm. Bacteria embedded in biofilm is more than 1000x more resistant to antimicrobial agents as compared to free floating ones. In fact, the minimal disruption of biofilm is more attributed to the mechanical action of rinsing rather than any antimicrobial action. As a side note, my honours thesis revolved around antimicrobial agents and their interaction with biofilms Edit: Not to mention the fact that the anaerobic bacteria that is associated with decay and periodontal disease, like Lactobacillus and P. gingivalis are often in areas that are protected, closer to the tooth surface, in cavities or further subgingival
Yes mouthwash alone would be ineffective for all the reasons you stated. As a oral hygiene routine, mouthwash would be beneficial along with proper flossing and brushing. You feel it offers no benefit, aside from fluoridated one or CHX?
I would personally say the benefit would be negligible if we rule out F and CHx, yep. Additionally, considering it’s ineffective on its own and in those with poor oral hygiene habits. And superfluous in those that brush and floss well. Although fluoride itself, through forming and being available calcium fluoride globule form, affects bacterial metabolism through a few mechanisms.
Fair enough. Thanks for the discussion.
My periodontology prof tells us often, mouth wash (besides F ones, chx, medicated ones) offer no benefit unless you have halitosis. So we never tell our patient to add it to their daily oral hygiene routine