If you have ever had a mouthful of mouthwash accidentally swallow mouthwash, you know that it is not the best feeling in the world. In fact, if it is your first time, it can feel a lot worse than simply having a full-blown gummy bear stuck in your throat. Mouthwash, like any other product, has some uses and some hazards. The following article aims to inform you about those dangers.
First, do not try to drink an accidentally swallowed mouthwash or try to squeeze it out of your mouth if it is a small amount. Do not use the water to rinse your hands or wipe your face after using it. Small amounts of a fluoride mouthwash can harm your teeth and mouth, so you should keep it away for the moment. This only applies to small amounts. Your dentist should be able to help you get a safe dosage from your regular toothpaste, if necessary.
Second, as a rule, mouthwashes are meant to spit out, not swallowed. Even if they say they are safe to swallow, you may have a hard time with that one. The reason is that there is too much of the substance left in your mouth for your saliva to fully clean it. Saliva is great at cleansing and neutralizing things in your mouth and throat, but it can’t work with something still stuck to it. Your dentist will be able to help you determine what the correct dose of mouthwashes is meant to be and give you the dose that you need.
Some mouthwashes also contain alcohol, which is not healthy either. The alcohol in mouthwash could easily irritate your gums, mouth, and tongue, which could lead to you accidentally swallow more mouthwash. The alcohol content varies between brands, so checking the back of the bottle or reading the bottle tag is a good idea. If you are consuming a small amount of alcohol, such as one ounce to 10 ounces, it won’t be a problem.
However, if you are consuming a large amount, or an extremely small amount, then you might be putting yourself at risk. This is especially true in the case of concentrated mouthwashes. If you are consuming a small amount, such as one or two ounces, then there is probably nothing to worry about. But, if you are consuming a large amount, such as a quart or a half cup, then you may want to consider stopping the mouthwash immediately.
One last thing that you should know about mouthwash is that they usually don’t kill germs. In fact, according to the ADA, a mouthwash that says it will kill ‘the germs’ is actually saying that it will kill ‘the germs that are currently residing in your mouth’. What you really need to be concerned with are products that say they’ll kill the ‘organisms’ after you spit them out. When you swallow them, they go directly into your stomach, where they are ingested. Your body, not the mouth, is supposed to be the one that does the job. According to the ADA, those types of mouthwashes should be avoided.
So, we came up with a list of things you should keep in mind when trying to figure out how to tell if you accidentally swallowed mouthwash. Remember, there are some very good products out there, but you still need to be extra careful. If you suspect that you might have ingested a mouthwash while you were taking a shower, remember to stop the shower and ask your roommate or spouse if they can help you. Chances are that they will be able to tell you what they believe the product you ate just took. In fact, they may even know where the brand came from and can recommend you to read up on the subject.
Another excellent choice for those who swallow mouthwash accidentally is Listerine. It’s been around for decades and many people swear by its effectiveness. While there’s no real research that can verify the effectiveness of Listerine, it’s definitely safe to try. One thing you need to be aware of though, as with any product that you use mouthwash with, is that it’s possible for the product to cause some sort of reaction in some people. For instance, someone with sensitive lips may experience burning or itching.