Mouthwash may give you ulcers

When a 40-year-old executive landed at a dentist’s clinic in Bandra with severe mouth ulcers, he did not imagine that his mouthwash could be the culprit.

“He was using an alcohol-based mouthwash daily. He was treated and asked not to use mouthwash. He is doing fine now,” said Dr PD Joshi, consulting dentist at Lilavati Hospital.

A bottle of coloured liquid which most have added to their daily oral hygiene can cause more harm than good if used regularly without a doctor’s consent.

Lured by jazzy advertisements, most people use mouthwash ignorant of the harms or ill-effects the liquid can cause to your mouth like ulcer and discolouration of the teeth.

Dr Mansingh Pawar, dean of Government Dental College, said around 30% of the people using mouthwash regularly are prone to infection and have dryness of mouth and loss of taste and sensation.

“As the mouthwash market is catching up in cities like Mumbai, cases of side effects are growing,” said Dr Pawar.

Mouthwashes are chemicals which has advantages as well as disadvantages.

“It can kill and stop growth of bacteria but if the concentration is increased, it can cause irritation to soft tissues and kill them. We treat patients with teeth erosion and brittle teeth because of calcium removal,” Dr Pawar added.

Experts said that while it was difficult to control over-the-counter sale of mouthwash, people should seek a doctor’s advice before using mouthwash regularly.

“Mouthwash is sold over-the-counter across the world. What people are not aware is the conditions for its use. Diluting mouthwash which is alcohol-based is very important. It is the long time use which leads to side effects,” said Dr SJ Nagda, director of major civic hospitals and dean of Nair Hospital Dental College.

Doctors also suggest that seeking a dentist’s advice on mouthwash is a must. “Only a doctor can help you select a mouthwash and suggest its usage,” said Dr Pawar.

@somitapal