Why does alcohol-free mouthwash still burn my mouth?
Most mouthwashes advertise their tingling sensation as a sign that the product is working. But for many people, using mouthwash doesn’t feel refreshing it feels painful, and it burns. If you switch to a mouthwash that doesn’t contain alcohol but still experience the burning sensation, you may be sensitive to one of the other active ingredients in your oral rinse.
Reasons mouthwash may burn
A lot of popular mouthwash ingredients include chlorhexidine, which may reduce plaque and help fight gingivitis, as well as cetylpyridinium chloride, which kills bad-breath-causing bacteria. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also documented a rare but severe allergy that some people may have to chlorhexidine.
Whitening mouthwashes often contain hydrogen peroxide. Other ingredients like essential oils, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and thyme oil can be added to freshen breath. All of those ingredients can cause your oral rinse to burn as you use it.
In mouthwash with alcohol, it is there to kill bacteria and sanitize your mouth. But pure alcohol alone isn’t enough to kill all the bad bacteria that can cause bad breath and gingivitis. Alcohol is usually just one of the active ingredients in mouthwash. They can still include the other mint flavor ingredients and oils which for some people can cause unbearable burning.
Do all mouthwashes burn?
Not all mouthwashes cause burning, but your level of sensitivity to different ingredients might make it difficult to find one that doesn’t cause any burning symptoms.
Alcohol isn’t a necessary ingredient for an effective, bacteria-killing mouthwash. Some oral rinses are made without alcohol and can be more gentle on your tongue, mouth, and gums. Most of the leading mouthwash brands make alcohol-free formulas.
Menthol isn’t a necessary ingredient in mouthwash either. Oral rinses that are menthol-free, mint-free, or flavorless are readily available and sold wherever you typically buy your mouthwash. You might need to try a few different formulas before you find an oral rinse that you like.
The Takeaway
It’s not unusual for mouthwash to burn as you rinse your mouth with it. Ingredients like alcohol and menthol, which cause the burning sensation, are often found in mouthwash. Even though it’s not usually a cause for concern, there are plenty of alternative mouthwashes that you can purchase if your mouthwash is painful to use.
Using a mouthwash does not take the place of optimal brushing and flossing. Mouthwashes may offer additional benefit in terms of reducing the risk of bad breath, cavities, or gum disease; or for relief of dry mouth or pain from oral sores.
Always follow the instructions on your mouthwash, and ask a dentist for a mouthwash recommendation if you have difficulty finding one that works for you. You should also look for a mouthwash with the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance.
