MOUTHWASH: Detrimental effects of mouth wash.

Bad breath can be disastrous not only to the people next to you but also to your self-esteem. Once you realize your mouth emits bad breath, the first remedy that hits your mind is a mouthwash. But does the mouthwash protect your oral cavity from emitting bad breath? Let's dive deeper. Saliva Saliva is a clear, slightly acidic mucoserous secretion. 99% of saliva is water. The normal PH of saliva ranges from 6 to 8. The salivary glands: You don't need mouthwash and chewing gums to have fresh breath. The saliva in the mouth plays the role of keeping your mouth clean and fresh. Saliva is secreted from the submandibular glands (65%) parotid glands (20%), sublingual glands (8%) and other small glands found in the lower lips, tongue, palate, cheeks and pharynx. On average, the daily flow of the whole saliva is between 1 to 1.5 litres. Composition Saliva is composed of a variety of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and phosphate. Saliva is also composed of immunoglobulins, proteins, enzymes and nitrogenous products like urea and ammonia. Functions Lubrication & protection: Saliva lubricates and protects oral tissues acting as a barrier against irritants. Chewing, speech & swallowing are all aided by the lubricating effects of special salivary molecules known as mucins. PH Modulation: Bicarbonate, phosphate, proteins and urea regulate the PH of saliva and the mouth. Bicarbonate is the most important because it diffuses into plaque and neutralizes acids. Maintaining Tooth Integrity: Saliva facilitates the demineralization and remineralization of tooth enamel. Demineralization occurs when the mouth is acidic. These acids diffuse into the enamel resulting in the crystalline dissolution of the enamel. Remineralization is the process of replacing lost minerals in the enamel matrix. Saliva has a high concentration of calcium & phosphate which promote maturation and remineralization of the enamel. Antibacterial: The immunological and non-immunological agents secreted in the saliva neutralize viruses, bacteria and fungi that colonize the mouth. The cells in the salivary glands secrete peroxidase which kills bacteria. The good bacteria in the mouth secrete hydrogen peroxide which kills harmful bacteria hiding in the biofilm. Once you learn that you have a problem with your mouth, teeth, lips or tongue, the first thing is to avoid using toothpaste or mouthwash. Mouthwash Mouthwashes (also called mouth rinses/mouth rinses, oral rinses or oral washes) are liquid, aqueous compositions mainly marketed as the best remedies to prevent, relieve and cure oral conditions and maintain oral health such as dental caries, dental erosion, halitosis, gingivitis, periodontitis, mucositis, to reduce the oral microbiota, etc. A 1930 newspaper advert promoting a mouthwash called Listerine. It was also a toilet cleaner and a wound antiseptic. In 1879, an English Doctor known as Dr Joseph Lister created an antiseptic known as LISTERINE. It was used to clean wounds, cuts, and mouths, and as an antiseptic solution in surgical operations in the theatre. In 1895 he sold it to Lambert Pharmaceutical Company which began marketing it as a mouthwash and toilet cleaner. It has also been used as an after-shave solution. A typical mouthwash is a water–glycerine mixture and consists of sweeteners, surfactants, preservatives, and some colourant and flavouring agents, as well as usually having two oral health substances, anticaries sodium fluoride and antimicrobial essential oils. Mouthwash has alcohol-based solutions which lower the PH of your mouth making the environment acidic. As I have discussed above, an acidic environment encourages the demineralization of teeth and the multiplication of harmful bacteria. Bad bacteria in the mouth will not be removed by toothpaste or mouthwash. In fact, these bacteria hide in calcium films to avoid being detected by salivary enzymes and immunological agents. So, if you have bad breath or an unpleasant oral cavity, then you need to maintain the PH of the mouth to near alkaline. What should you do if you have an unpleasant oral cavity? Throw away fluoridated toothpaste. It is useless. Avoid mouthwash and chewing gums. Save your money. Brush your teeth with Bicarbonate of soda. You can add salt. Gargle your mouth with Hydrogen peroxide. Dilute a cap or 2 teaspoons in a half glass of water. Saliva plays an efficient duty to sanitize your mouth and leave your mouth fresh. If the mouth is not fresh, then there is a problem emanating from the salivary flow. You can also blend garlic and ginger and eat them or use clove, cinnamon or thyme. They are good at maintaining a healthy microbiome of the mouth. Traditional brushing twigs like Miswak are very beneficial in keeping the mouth fresh and healthy. But most importantly, Avoid sugar and sugary substances. They are the number one cause of an acidic environment in the mouth leading to bad breath and structural deficiencies in the mouth. No alcohol. No smoking. Use traditional toothbrushes (miswak or lantana twigs) regularly. Use soft toothbrushes. The aim of brushing is not to make your teeth white, but to remove food debris in the mouth. The stubborn debris can be removed by flossing. Oregano leaves and extracts are very good for oral health because they balance the mouth bacteria, regulate oral PH and leave the mouth fresh. Children don't need toothpaste. Don't allow them to use toothpaste. They can simply gargle with saline water or use a very soft brush then gargle with saline water. Have you noticed that children don't have bad breaths even after eating? Because their saliva is potent. It is parents who mislead children by buying them toothpaste and sugar. If you really, really, really need chewing gum, then buy Xylitol chewing gum. It is good. It will also retard plaque. There is another chewing gum called sorbitol. You can also use it. But, I don't think you need the gum.