The 5 mouthwash mistakes putting you at risk of yellow teeth, oral thrust – even cancer, dentist warns

FRESHER breath, less risk of gum disease, and better overall oral hygiene – they're just a few of the benefits that come with using mouthwash every day.

But are you using your mouthwash correctly?

Some simple mouthwash mistakes could lead to unhealthy issues inside your mouth, including an imbalance of beneficial bacteria that can lead to uncomfortable cases of oral thrush.

Dr Tarun Nagpal,a Doctify-rated Dentist, knows the importance of using mouthwash correctly and understanding its potential risks.

Mouthwash should never replace brushing and flossing, he says, but rather complement them.

And there are five other mistakes he warns not to make.

1. Avoid using mouthwash immediately after brushing

To maximise the effectiveness of mouthwash, avoid using it immediately after brushing, said Dr Nagpal – a mistake many people make.

He explained: “Doing this can wash away the concentrated fluoride from toothpaste.

“Instead, use mouthwash before brushing or at a different time of day, such as after meals.”

2. Don't eat or drink straight after

Particularly for people on the go, it might be tempting to have something to eat or drink shortly after using mouthwash and leaving the house.

But Dr Nagpal says you should wait at least half an hour.

He advised: “For fluoride-containing mouthwashes, refrain from eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes after use to allow maximum efficacy.”

3. Don't overuse mouthwash

People may overuse mouthwashto mask bad breath, achieve a ‘clean mouth' feeling, or because they mistakenly believe it's a primary solution for oral hygiene.

But overuse of mouthwash, especially those containing alcohol can disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in the mouth, warned Dr Nagpal.

“This can potentially lead to dry mouth, oral thrush, or other issues,” he said.

He added: “Whilst there is no definitive link between alcohol based mouthwashes and cancer, alcohol-free options are generally recommended to minimise any risk.”

4. Opt for therapeutic mouthwashes over cosmetic ones

Mouthwashes can actually be categorised into cosmetic and therapeutic types – and one is better than the other said Dr Nagpal.

He explained: “Cosmetic mouthwashes temporarily mask bad breath but don’t address underlying issues.

“Therapeutic mouthwashes contain active ingredients like fluoride to strengthen teeth, antimicrobials to reduce plaque and gingivitis, or agents to combat dry mouth.”

5. Always follow usage instructions

Some mouthwashes, particularly those containing chlorhexidine (like certain formulations of Corsodyl), can cause temporary staining of the teeth if used for extended periods, said Dr Nagpal.

“This staining is usually superficial and can be removed by professional cleaning,” he said.

“But it’s essential to follow the usage instructions and consult with a dental professional before prolonged use of such products.”

So what mouthwash does Dr Nagpal recommend?

The choice of mouthwash depends on your individual oral health needs:

For cavity prevention: A fluoride-containing, alcohol-free mouthwash can help strengthen enamel and prevent decay.

For gum health: An antibacterial mouthwash with ingredients like cetylpyridinium chloride or chlorhexidine digluconate can reduce plaque and gingivitis.

For dry mouth: Mouthwashes specifically formulated for dry mouth, often containing xylitol, can provide relief without the drying effects of others.

Dr Nagpal added: “Always consult with your dentist to determine the most appropriate mouthwash for your specific oral health needs.”