Mouthwash kills bacteria that causes bad breath, but only opt for alcohol-free varieties. San Antonio cosmetic dentist Edward Camacho, DDS, says that excessive use of alcohol-based mouthwash is known to irritate the soft tissue in your mouth, which may be linked to a higher incidence of oral cancer.
Boston prosthodontist Steven D. Spitz, DMD, adds, “Most mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can be damaging to your teeth. Alcohol not only dries out the tissue, but also kills the good bacteria that provide protection for your teeth and overall mouth.”
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The good news? Brands like Listerine now offer alcohol-free mouthwash varieties that clean your mouth and freshen your breath without causing any damage or posing any potential threats.
