Why does mouth rinse burn

Alcohol is a common component in commercial rinses. It can also serve to dry out the mouth. Some mouth rinses contain high levels of alcohol — ranging from 18 to 26 percent.

This may produce a burning sensation in the cheeks, teeth, and gums. Burning can also come from consistent mouthwash use, which causes irritated mouth tissue and can lead to mouth sores.

The mouthwash ingredients mentioned above can cause added pain for those with mouth ulcers, gingivitis, or bad breath. Mouth ulcers , for example, will become worse with alcohol-based rinses. Gingivitis and plaque can be reduced by using mouthwash when combined with daily brushing and flossing. Mouthwash does a great job removing plaque, but with gingivitis, the alcohol can cause added pain in your mouth.

If you experience an adverse reaction to a mouth rinse, stop using it and talk to your dentist right away. Some non-alcohol mouth rinses are available as alternatives. Ask your dentist. Call us at to schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you! Why Costa?

Meet the Doctors Dr. Shane Costa Dr. Neha Garge Dr. Each serves the user a different purpose. While cosmetic mouthwash is made purely to temporarily freshen your breath, therapeutic mouthwash contains ingredients that can help with the following dental health problems:. All of these ingredients work together with brushing and flossing to keep your teeth clean and healthy.

While many therapeutic mouthwashes can be obtained over the counter, some require a prescription. Be sure to consult with your dentist about what mouthwash would be the best for you. Most mouthwashes contain alcohol, which causes the burning sensation many of us are used to.

Alcohol is used in mouthwash because it is effective in killing the bacteria that can lead to gum disease, decay, and bad breath. However, many people prefer not to use mouthwashes with alcohol because the burn is too painful. The good news is that mouthwash does not have to burn. Many brands offer alcohol-free mouthwash that still contains ingredients to help keep your teeth strong and prevent decay and disease but without the burning sensation.

Some people like the burn because they feel like it means the mouthwash is working, but alcohol is proven to dry your mouth out, which can potentially cause health problems in the long run. Again, consult with your dentist before making a decision, but ultimately the choice depends on your personal needs and preference. Rinsing should be done in addition to brushing and flossing your teeth. Mouthwash should not be used as a substitute for brushing OR flossing.

Not brushing or flossing your teeth can lead to tooth decay, gingivitis, and other serious problems. Mouthwash alone will only mask one problem: bad breath. Brushing and flossing help to loosen and clear out plaque and food from your teeth and gums.

Rinses should be used together with these products to help wash everything away. In fact, brushing your teeth and not rinsing with mouthwash is more effective than rinsing with mouthwash and not brushing your teeth.