Strong Mouthwash Can Backfire

Killing 99% of germs includes the ones you want.

That "kills 99.9% of germs" line is the selling point. It's also the problem.

Your mouth needs some bacteria

Antiseptic mouthwash doesn't discriminate — it wipes out helpful mouth bacteria along with the bad. Some of those good microbes help produce compounds that support healthy blood pressure and keep the mouth in balance. Nuke everything twice a day and you can throw that off.

The alcohol issue

Many mouthwashes are alcohol-based, which can dry out the mouth — and a dry mouth actually breeds more of the bacteria that cause bad breath. The cure can feed the problem.

The move

You don't need antiseptic mouthwash daily. Brushing and flossing do the heavy lifting. If you like a rinse, an alcohol-free one — or plain water after meals — is gentler on your mouth's ecosystem.

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