When Mouthwash Burns Is It Killing GermsOne important consideration is that while the burn of an alcohol-based mouthwash provides a sense of comfort that all the bacteria in your mouth has been killed, a non-alcohol mouthwash is just as effective at killing off germs and bacteria and it won't have you lunging for the sink to relieve yourself of the burn. Some brands of mouthwash advertise that the burning sensation means their product is killing germs, but this is not true. Like brushing and flossing our teeth, using a mouthwash can help bring down the level of destructive bacteria in your mouth. Some rinses contain high levels of alcohol that range from 20 to 30 percent. Killing off all of the bacteria in your mouth on a regular basis isn’t recommended, so gentler antiseptic formulas can be a healthier choice. Listerine mouthwash also contains essential oils that contribute to the burning sensation. The benefit of killing “bad” bacteria — for example, bacteria that promote gum disease or tooth decay — far outweighs any potential risk of offsetting the level of “good” bacteria in your mouth. A more important is to know that it kills all the bacteria which cause plaque formation, gingivitis and even bad breath. It can kill germs that cause gingivitis, tooth decay, and plaque. Make a mouthwash: Gargle with diluted peroxide to kill everyday germs in your mouth, or purchase mouthwash that contains peroxide (and probably tastes better). That's because the taste buds on your tongue may be more. It is a good sign that the mouthwash is killing germs and bacteria, and is a sign that it is working effectively. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also documented a rare but severe allergy that some people may have to chlorhexidine. Magic mouthwash usually contains: An antibiotic to kill bacteria around mouth sores. And unfortunately you are one of them, I guess. Along with treating gum disease, killing bacteria also effectively treats bad breath (halitosis). However, you may experience some mild side effects from using CPC mouthwash, such as burning in the gums. Menthol —Used for its alleged anti-microbial (aka germ-killing) properties, menthol can also cause strong burning sensations as an oral rinse. Steroids or antihistamines to reduce inflammation. Mouthwashes are used to kill plaque bacteria and bad breath germs. Mouthwash could be the perfect addition to your oral health regimen if you use it wisely. The alcohol burns because irritates your mouth. When mouthwash burns, it can be uncomfortable and alarming, but it is not necessarily killing germs. Mouthwash formulated to fight bacteria that cause plaque and gingivitis typically contains essential oils like menthol, eucalyptol, or thymol. It can kill germs that cause gingivitis, tooth decay, and plaque. An anticholinergic or antihistamine to ease pain. It can kill germs that cause gingivitis, tooth decay, and plaque. Menthol has a strong minty flavor, so you may not be surprised to find it commonly used in gum and toothpaste as well. Crest Pro-Health Rinse contains a clinically proven germ-killing agent, known as. Another common mouthwash ingredient is chlorhexidine. Answer (1 of 3): The painful tingling you are describing is a result of the essential oils in the mouthwash, which are the active antiseptic ingredients, so yes the tingling is helping you get fresher breath. However, you may experience some mild side effects from using CPC mouthwash, such as burning in the gums. Rather, alcohol in mouthwash is an inactive ingredient that delivers the active. It can kill germs that cause gingivitis, tooth decay, Menthol. When mouthwash burns, it can be uncomfortable and alarming, but it is not necessarily killing germs. The bacteria won’t mutate or overtake the mouth wash because it kills them. Antifungal medicine to get yeast back in balance. A more important is to know that it kills all the bacteria which cause plaque formation, gingivitis and even bad breath. It kills germs for up to 12 hours, even after eating meals. It usually contains an antiseptic to kill harmful bacteria that can live between your teeth. It’s harmless in the long run because we have enzymes to metabolize ethanol. Other ingredients like essential oils, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and thyme oil can be added to freshen breath. If you experience a burning sensation in your throat from using mouthwash, then it is best to stop using it and speak to your doctor or dentist. No, the burn you feel when using mouthwash is not caused by it killing germs. Dental Issues and Mouthwash The mouthwash. Is it safe to use mouthwash that contains alcohol?. Rather, alcohol in mouthwash is an inactive ingredient that delivers the active ingredients which do fight off germs and gingivitis. Cetylpyridinium chloride is a beneficial antimicrobial ingredient in mouthwash. Alcohol is the common ingredient in commercial rinses. No, the burn you feel when using mouthwash is not caused by it killing germs. This makes it an effective antiseptic mouthwash. But when used in large amounts, alcohol causes a burning sensation. The burning sensation you feel is due to the alcohol content in the mouthwash. Rather, it acts as a carrier of other chemicals. Whitening mouthwashes often contain hydrogen peroxide. Most mouthwashes are formulated to kill bad breath germs and help fight plaque bacteria, but the burning sensation you feel? That’s alcohol*. As a study published in the Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry (JISPCD) notes, the presence of alcohol in mouthwash often causes a burning sensation in the mouth. There are therapeutic mouthrinses that help reduce or control plaque, gingivitis, bad breath, and tooth decay. It can kill germs that cause gingivitis, tooth decay, and plaque. It kills 99% of germs on contact, significantly reduces plaque and helps prevent the gum disease gingivitis. And for mouth cancer patients, some prescription mouthwashes can help in the management of mouth sores that may occur with chemotherapy or radiation. While mouthwash does contain antiseptic ingredients which help kill germs, including bacteria and viruses, it doesn’t burn them. Crest Pro-Health Rinse is an anti-gingivitis/anti-plaque mouthwash formulated to kill germs that cause plaque, gingivitis and bad breath without the burn of alcohol. Potentially harmful substances found in mouthwash are hydrogen peroxide and chlorhexidine gloconate. Oral hygiene goals When picking a mouthwash, you may also want to. Mouthwashes do not rely on alcohol to kill germs; instead, alcohol facilitates other ingredients. Look for a gentler, yet effective clean with an alcohol-free mouthwash. This means it kills microorganisms, or bacteria, in your mouth. While effective at killing. The authors suggested three alternatives: vinegar, which is non-toxic, hydrogen peroxide, which can cause burns at high concentrations, but when used safely is reasonably safe, and sunlight, which like vinegar is nontoxic. You’ll experience less burn and fewer harsh symptoms that alcohol can cause. Bad breath is the number one reason for the average person to use mouthwash, both our experts agree. In addition, it can cause your mouth to become dry. Why Mouthwash Burns. Magic mouthwash may contain one or more of these ingredients: An antibiotic to kill bacteria. Regularly swishing with mouthwash, whether to tame the scent of onions on your breath or to prevent cavities, is safe — even if it temporarily changes the balance of bacteria in your mouth. Hydrogen peroxide – A gentle antiseptic that is used in some mouthwashes to eliminate germs and whiten teeth. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a compound. When brushing your teeth twice in a row, it is usually recommended that you rinse your mouth twice in 24 hours. Alcohol content in some mouth rinses ranges from 18 to 26%. When mouthwash burns is it killing germs? Alcohol does have the ability to kill germs, but mouthwash doesn't contain enough alcohol for that to happen. Children younger than the age of 6 should not use mouthrinse, unless directed by a dentist, because they may swallow large amounts of the liquid inadvertently. Though alcohol can kills germs, it can potentially do more harm than good by also killing some of your good bacteria. Mouthwash is good for you, but only if you use it correctly. TheraBreath Healthy Gums Periodontist Formulated 24-Hour Oral Rinse. If you're using mouthwash and wondering why it burns, one of two ingredients may be causing your discomfort: alcohol or chlorhexidine. Magic mouthwash may contain one or more of these ingredients: An antibiotic to kill bacteria. When you use mouthwash with alcohol, you may notice the burning feeling centralizes on your tongue. It can kill germs that cause gingivitis, tooth decay, and plaque. The content of mouthwash helps in killing germs and bacteria to ensure a fresh and clean mouth. Mouthwash is an additional step that can help to kill germs and remove food particles. An antacid to coat the mouth and offer relief. But when used in large amounts, alcohol causes a burning sensation. Boil a small pot of water on the stove and dip the head of your toothbrush in the rolling boil for at least three minutes to kill most germs. The bacteria won’t mutate or overtake the mouth wash because it kills them. Oral hygiene goals When picking a mouthwash, you may also want to. Cleansing your mouth with mouthwash helps in removing food debris, tartar, plaque, and germs from hard-to-reach areas of your teeth. When you dab hydrogen peroxide on a cut, that white, fizzling foam is actually a sign that that the solution is killing bacteria as well as healthy cells. Many types of mouthwash use alcohol, specifically ethanol, because alcohol has been shown to kill germs and bacteria. 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. A 2017 study suggests chlorhexidine is the most effective antiseptic mouthwash to date. Instead, it's there to act as a vehicle for other ingredients. Gingivitis leads to gum inflammation and bleeding in the oral cavity. All of those ingredients can cause your oral rinse to burn as you use it. Similar to your gut, your mouth contains thousands of different types of bacteria, many of them potentially harmful. March 8, 2022. Betadine gargle solution is both a mouthwash as well as medicated gargle solution that kills most bacteria and viruses in your throat and oral cavity. If you experience an adverse reaction to a mouth rinse, stop using it and talk to your dentist right away. If you experience a burning sensation in your throat from using mouthwash, then it is best to stop using it and speak to your doctor or dentist. When you use mouthwash with alcohol, you may notice the burning feeling centralizes on your tongue. Mouthwash, also called oral rinse, is a liquid product used to rinse your teeth, gums, and mouth. Why Mouthwash Burns. However, mouthwash needs to be spit out after rinsing. In mouthwash with alcohol, it is there to kill bacteria and sanitize your mouth. You'll experience less burn and fewer harsh symptoms that alcohol can cause. Salicylic acid – Salicylic acid is a form of beta hydroxy acid that is added to some mouthwashes to aid in the removal of plaque and tartar. Crest Pro-Health Rinse is a leading brand of mouthwash, and it has a high percentage of repeat consumers. The other reason is that these mouthwashes can’t entirely destroy all the germs in your mouth—instead, they dissolve the ingredients into your gums, teeth, and tongue, which causes that familiar burning sensation. Don’t swallow it! Don’t swallow it!. Magic mouthwash usually contains: An antibiotic to kill bacteria around mouth sores An antifungal to stop fungal growth An anticholinergic or antihistamine to ease pain A local anesthetic to. Conduct an experiment to compare products with cinnamon essence in gum , candy, toothpaste, and mouthwash to see if they can decrease mouth germs. Therefore, it may only offer a temporary solution at best. Like brushing and flossing our teeth, using a mouthwash can help bring down the level of destructive bacteria in your mouth. Why does mouthwash burn? Mouthwash can burn when it contains alcohol. Hydrogen peroxide – A gentle antiseptic that is used in some mouthwashes to eliminate germs and whiten teeth. The study, published in the journal Pathogens, found that Listerine and the prescription mouthwash Chlorhexidine disrupted the virus within. Briefly, Betadine treats: Vaginal Candidiasis: Betadine ointment effectively brings relief as well as prevents fungal infections of the vagina. Most commercial brands of mouthwash contain a type of alcohol, which can provide a little health benefit by killing bacteria, but is mostly designed to cover bad breath. Chlorhexidine can kill the bacteria in your mouth that cause gum disease. Though alcohol can kills germs, it can potentially do more harm than good by also killing some of your good bacteria. Primary advantage. The burning sensation you feel is due to the alcohol content in the mouthwash. Colgate Total 12HR Pro-Shield Mouthwash doesn’t just freshen breath, it provides 12-hour protection against germs, even after eating and drinking, helping to keep your mouth healthy and fresh. Betadine gargle solution is both a mouthwash as well as medicated gargle solution that kills most bacteria and viruses in your throat and oral cavity. Most of them are formulated to kill the germs. Bad breath— called halitosis —is caused by odor. Alcohol has the ability to kill germs, but mouthwash doesn’t contain enough alcohol for that to happen. Over-the-counter mouthwashes typically do not kill enough bacteria in your mouth to be considered therapeutic; they are instead considered cosmetic. The alcohol burns because irritates your mouth tissue and can eventually cause sores. Most commercial brands of mouthwash contain a type of alcohol, which can provide a little health benefit by killing bacteria, but is mostly designed to cover bad breath. Your dentist can prescribe it to treat the inflammation. Mouthwash may kill COVID-19 in the mouth temporarily, but the virus will make more copies of itself rapidly. While effective at killing germs, there have also been multiple studies linking alcohol-based mouthwash to an increased risk of oral cancer (1), which is why we strongly recommend. But what happens if you use them on your tongue? You are using alcohol. The authors suggested three alternatives: vinegar, which is non-toxic, hydrogen peroxide, which can cause burns at high concentrations, but when used safely is reasonably safe, and sunlight, which like vinegar is nontoxic. Alcohol—Alcohol (ethanol) is a common ingredient used in mouthwash and is often the culprit of that strong burning sensation you get from swishing mouthwash around. It can kill germs that cause gingivitis, tooth decay, and plaque. While mouthwash does contain antiseptic ingredients which help kill germs, including bacteria and viruses, it doesn’t burn them. Betadine gargle solution is both a mouthwash as well as medicated gargle solution that kills most bacteria and viruses in your throat and oral cavity. In fact, the alcohol concentration in mouthwash is too low to kill germs and bacteria. When a bacteria get in touch with this mouthwash, it will be completely eliminated, meaning that it cannot regenerate itself so it cannot continue to grow and increase its number. Most mouthwashes containing essential oils use alcohol as a solvent and the tingling is. This mouthwash is a good choice for eliminating the germs and bacteria that cause gingivitis, which can lead to periodontitis and. Mouthwash can’t be used as a substitute for regular brushing and flossing. Some non-alcohol mouth rinses are available as alternatives. Preventing the growth of bacteria also reduces your risk of developing gingivitis. Mouthwash can be used to prevent or stop bad breath, as well as to rinse out plaque and fight gum disease. Regularly swishing with mouthwash, whether to tame the scent of onions on your breath or to prevent cavities, is safe — even if it temporarily changes the balance of bacteria in your mouth. Mouthwash can't be used as a substitute for regular brushing and flossing. These oils are the ones that handle fighting and killing the germs. A 2017 study suggests chlorhexidine is the most effective antiseptic mouthwash to date. Chlorhexidine gluconate is a prescription germicidal mouthwash that decreases bacteria in your mouth. It’s just not really sustainable for good oral health over a period of an hour or 2 because bacteria will grow back because you won’t kill them all. Some types of mouthwash, especially prescription mouthwashes, may contain other ingredients like fluoride, which help to strengthen teeth and considerably improve oral. Most mouthwashes containing essential oils. This may cause a burning sensation in the cheeks, teeth, and gums. Most mouthwashes are formulated to kill bad breath germs and help fight plaque bacteria, but the burning sensation you feel? That’s alcohol*. Many types of mouthwash use alcohol, specifically ethanol, because alcohol has been shown to kill germs and bacteria. Listerine has around 26% ethanol weight per volume (less now due to oral cancer fears), which means it cannot actually kill all mouth bacteria completely. It has antimicrobial properties that Chlorhexidine. Wash it away. When mouthwash Burns is it killing germs? In spite of the fact that alcohol can kill germs, mouthwash does not contain enough alcohol to do so. Most mouthwashes are formulated to kill bad breath germs and help fight plaque bacteria, but the burning sensation you feel? That’s alcohol*. Alcohol has the ability to kill germs, but mouthwash doesn’t contain enough alcohol for that to happen. Lidocaine or other numbing medicine to soothe the pain from mouth sores. Most mouthwashes contain ingredients like alcohol, which. Mouthwash formulated to fight bacteria that cause plaque and gingivitis typically contains essential oils like menthol, eucalyptol, or thymol. This burning sensation is usually caused by the alcohol content in the mouthwash, which can be irritating to. Mouthwash, also called oral rinse, is a liquid product used to rinse your teeth, gums, and mouth. Which, could cause the burning to get worse over time. Mouthwash, also called oral rinse, is a liquid product used to rinse your teeth, gums, and mouth. Mouthwash may kill COVID-19 in the mouth temporarily, but the virus will make more copies of itself rapidly. The benefit of killing “bad” bacteria —. Additionally, mouthwashes infused with an. May cause teeth staining The most common side. Answer (1 of 3): The painful tingling you are describing is a result of the essential oils in the mouthwash, which are the active antiseptic ingredients, so yes the tingling is helping you get fresher breath. Mouthwash is great for getting between teeth, reaching the back of your mouth, and finding any crevices where bacteria might be hiding from your toothbrush. Brushing and flossing can be accompanied by the use of a mouthwash to keep your mouth bacteria in check. Salicylic acid - Salicylic acid is a form of beta hydroxy acid that is added to some mouthwashes to aid in the removal of plaque and tartar. Briefly, Betadine treats: Vaginal Candidiasis: Betadine ointment effectively brings relief as well as prevents fungal infections of the vagina. It can, however, be irritating to the tongue and produce a burning feeling. How Does Crest Pro-Health Rinse Work?. An antifungal to stop fungal growth. Mouthwash burns to some people, but it won’t work well unless you rinse for a good amount of time. When you use mouthwash with alcohol, you may notice the burning feeling centralizes on your tongue. In mouthwash with alcohol, it is there to kill bacteria and sanitize your mouth. Most commercial brands of mouthwash contain a type of alcohol, which can provide a little health benefit by killing bacteria, but is mostly designed to cover bad breath. Mouthwash can banish bad breath. How Does Crest Pro-Health Rinse Work? Crest Pro-Health Rinse kills 99% of germs that cause plaque, gingivitis and bad breath, all without the burn of alcohol. 10 It works against the oral bacteria within dental plaque, which can decrease your risk of cavities. chlorhexidine and other diguanides, for use before operations antibacterial dye, to treat burns and wounds peroxide and permanganate, to disinfect the skin or to use as a mouthwash. Mouthwash does a great job removing plaque, but with gingivitis, the alcohol can cause added pain in your mouth. Chlorhexidine gluconate is a prescription germicidal mouthwash that decreases bacteria in your mouth. If your mouthwash leaves you with a burning sensation, it is probably caused by one of these common ingredients: Alcohol —Alcohol (ethanol) is a common ingredient used in mouthwash and is often the culprit of that strong burning sensation you get from swishing mouthwash around. Killing off all of the bacteria in your mouth on a regular basis isn’t recommended, so gentler antiseptic formulas can be a healthier choice. These oils are the ones that handle fighting and killing the germs. If your mouthwash leaves you with a burning sensation, it is probably caused by one of these common ingredients: Alcohol —Alcohol (ethanol) is a common ingredient used in mouthwash and is often the culprit of that strong burning sensation you get from swishing mouthwash around. In fact, the alcohol concentration in mouthwash is too low to kill germs and bacteria. You’ll experience less burn and fewer harsh symptoms that alcohol can cause. 6 AI Score AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. For this reason, it is important to not be put off by the. Frequent use of mouthwashes containing cetylpyridinium chloride can lead to minor brown staining on the teeth and tongue, as well as around dental restorations. For this reason, it is important to not be put off by the burning sensation, as it is a sign that the mouthwash is doing its job. However, sometimes using mouthwash can be uncomfortable and even painful, as it can burn. Though alcohol can kills germs, it can potentially do more harm than good by also killing some of your good bacteria. What Causes Mouthwash to Burn? Alcohol. Like brushing and flossing our teeth, using a mouthwash can help bring down the level of destructive bacteria in your mouth. It should not be swallowed as the ingredients may be hazardous when ingested in large amounts. Listerine mouthwash also contains essential oils that contribute to the burning sensation. Lidocaine or other numbing medicine to soothe the. This means it’s working to kill germs and rinse away plaque. Should I use mouthwash before bed?. That's because the taste buds on your tongue may be more sensitive to alcohol than other areas in your mouth. Mouthwashes do not rely on alcohol to kill germs; instead, alcohol facilitates other. Mouthwashes do not rely on alcohol to kill germs; instead, alcohol facilitates other ingredients. Most of them are formulated to kill the germs. Alcohol is key in many mouthwash formulas thanks to its natural ability to kill bacteria that causes bad breath and gingivitis. 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. When mouthwash Burns is it killing germs? In spite of the fact that alcohol can kill germs, mouthwash does not contain enough alcohol to do so. Alcohol—Alcohol (ethanol) is a common ingredient used in mouthwash and is often the culprit of that strong burning sensation you get from swishing mouthwash. It can also dry out your mouth. It kills germs for up to 12 hours, even after eating meals. When you dab hydrogen peroxide on a cut, that white, fizzling foam is actually a sign that that the solution is killing bacteria as well as healthy cells. It is a good sign that the mouthwash is killing germs and bacteria, and is a sign that it is working effectively. Many types of mouthwashes can reduce plaque (and bacteria), help prevent tooth decay, and reduce the speed that tartar forms on the teeth. Burning can also come from consistent mouthwash use, which causes irritated mouth tissue and can lead to mouth sores. Mouthwash Ingredients to Avoid As you can see, mouthwashes can create a host of problems, largely due to the ingredients. The actual burning sensation doesn't come from the alcohol itself. Alcohol has the ability to kill germs, but mouthwash doesn’t contain enough alcohol for that to happen. Menthol —Used for its alleged anti-microbial (aka germ-killing) properties, menthol can also cause strong burning sensations as an oral rinse. Many types of mouthwash use alcohol, specifically ethanol, because alcohol has been shown to kill germs and bacteria. If you experience a burning sensation in your throat from using mouthwash, then it is best to stop using it and speak to your doctor or dentist. When mouthwash Burns is it killing germs? In spite of the fact that alcohol can kill germs, mouthwash does not contain enough alcohol to do so. Mouthwashes do not rely on alcohol to kill germs; instead, alcohol facilitates other ingredients. Another common mouthwash ingredient is chlorhexidine. Instead, it’s there to act as a vehicle for other ingredients. Make sure to rinse your brush under cold water afterwards to bring it back to a safe temperature and wait a few more minutes before using it to avoid burns! 3. Look for a gentler, yet effective clean with an alcohol-free mouthwash. When mouthwash burns is it killing germs? Alcohol does have the ability to kill germs, but mouthwash doesn't contain enough alcohol for that to happen. When Mouthwash Burns Is It Killing Germs. Most mouthwashes are formulated to kill bad breath germs and help fight plaque bacteria, but the burning sensation you feel? That's alcohol*. Chlorhexidine gluconate is a prescription germicidal mouthwash that decreases bacteria in your mouth. Mouthwash formulated to fight bacteria that cause plaque and gingivitis typically contains essential oils like menthol, eucalyptol, or thymol. Researchers at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine have found evidence that two types of mouthwash disrupt the COVID-19 virus under laboratory conditions, preventing it from replicating in a human cell. Similar to your gut, your mouth contains thousands of different types of bacteria, many of them potentially harmful. Because it can kill harmful bacteria and break up plaque, dental professionals have been using hydrogen peroxide since the early 1900s to prevent and treat periodontitis. Look for a gentler, yet effective clean. Some mouth rinses contain high levels of alcohol— ranging from 18 to 26%. Listerine Freshburst Antiseptic Mouthwash for Bad Breath, Kills 99% of Germs That Cause Bad Breath & Fight Plaque & Gingivitis, ADA Accepted Mouthwash, Spearmint, 1 L, Pack of 2 View on Amazon SCORE 9. Crest Pro-Health Rinse is a leading brand of mouthwash, and it has a high percentage of repeat consumers. Yes, cetylpyridinium chloride is usually safe to use in oral health products. Listerine mouthwash also contains essential oils that contribute to the burning sensation. Does cinnamon gum kill bacteria in the mouth? (ScienceDaily contributors, 2004) The cinnamon oil in the gum is a natural defense against mouth bacteria that cause tooth decay and bad breath. It’s just not really sustainable for good oral health over a period of an hour or 2 because bacteria will grow back because you won’t kill them all. To get the best results, use about 20ml of oral rinse, which measures about 4 teaspoons. When mouthwash Burns is it killing germs? In spite of the fact that alcohol can kill germs, mouthwash does not contain enough alcohol to do so. It can also serve to dry out the mouth. While effective at killing germs, there have. It usually contains an antiseptic to kill harmful bacteria that can live between your teeth. Alcohol also causes the mouth to dry. Formulated with FDA-approved cetylpyridinium chloride, this mouthwash works to kill germs linked to gum disease and other periodontal problems, making it the best overall option for people with gingivitis. Mouthwash contains ingredients such as alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and essential oils that help kill the bacteria that cause bad breath, plaque, and gum disease. Whitening mouthwashes often contain hydrogen peroxide. Researchers at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine have found evidence that two types of mouthwash disrupt the COVID-19 virus under laboratory conditions, preventing it from replicating in a human cell. Mouthwash is an effective way to kill germs and bacteria in the mouth and keep it clean. Mouthwashes are used to kill plaque bacteria and bad breath germs. All of those ingredients can cause your oral rinse to burn as you use it. Hydrogen peroxide - A gentle antiseptic that is used in some mouthwashes to eliminate germs and whiten teeth. Dental Issues and Mouthwash The mouthwash ingredients mentioned above can cause added pain for those with mouth ulcers, gingivitis, or bad breath. Burning can also come from consistent mouthwash use, which causes irritated mouth tissue and can lead to mouth sores. Some types of mouthwash, especially prescription mouthwashes, may contain other ingredients like fluoride, which help to strengthen teeth and considerably improve oral health. A prescription mouthwash containing chlorhexidine can treat gingivitis, a gum disease that causes gums to swell and bleed. Killing off all of the bacteria in your mouth on a regular basis isn’t recommended, so gentler antiseptic formulas can be a healthier choice. Most mouthwashes contain ingredients like alcohol, which can cause a burning sensation; however, this does not always mean the mouthwash is doing its job of killing bacteria and germs. When mouthwash burns, it may be uncomfortable, but it is actually a sign that the antiseptic ingredients are working to kill germs. Alcohol in Mouthwash Kills Bacteria Alcohol is an antimicrobial agent. Burning can also come from consistent mouthwash use, which causes irritated mouth tissue and can lead to mouth sores. So, does alcohol provide some of the burn? Yes. Methanol, too, is a common ingredient in commercial rinse and toothpaste. Even though they are an essential ingredient in Listerine, they also cause that burning sensation that some individuals can’t bear. There are other ingredients added in mouthwash to discourage consumption. Why Mouthwash Burns. Cleansing your mouth with mouthwash helps in removing food debris, tartar, plaque, and germs from hard-to-reach areas of your teeth.