Three selected mouthwashes are deemed insufficient, including Listerine.
Using mouthwashes can aid in preventing cavities, plaque, and gum inflammation, contributing to successful oral hygiene, as concluded by Öko-Test. Numerous items can claim to impress, but three disappoint due to questionable ingredients.
This scenario seemed too good to be true, but mouthwashes do not replace the necessity of brushing your teeth or dentist visits. However, for a thorough clean, mouthwashes can serve as a beneficial addition to dental care, as Öko-Test discovered when examining 27 fluoride mouthwashes from drugstores, (bio) supermarkets, and discounters, including 6 certified natural cosmetics products. The prices ranged from 0.83 to 8.24 euros per 500 milliliters.
Incredibly, testers were able to endorse more than half of the products, including all natural cosmetics options. Fluoride mouthwash has a preventive effect on cavities due to its ability to strengthen tooth enamel, remineralize tooth surfaces, and increase resistance to acids and bacteria. Manufacturers adhere to the maximum amounts recommended by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment.
Three fall short
Furthermore, mouthwashes have been proven to be more effective than mechanical cleaning with a toothbrush and dental floss for removing plaque. Plaque, comprised of saliva, bacteria, and food remains, is primarily responsible for the development of cavities, gum inflammation, and periodontitis. Antibacterial substances like cetylpyridinium chloride and essential oils such as menthol, thymol, and eucalyptol aid in plaque removal. This is also true for the zinc and tin compounds found in many mouthwashes.
However, not all ingredients in the tested mouthwashes pleased the testers. Problems arose with numerous products, including Listerine Cool Mint Mild, Lacalut Aktiv, and Parodontax Repair, which were given an overall rating of "insufficient" due to their use of questionable substances.
The Listerine and Parodontax mouthwashes contain, among other things, the irritating surfactant sodium lauryl sulfate. Lacalut also contains chlorhexidine, which can lead to discoloration, mouth burning, and increased tartar formation, although these effects are reversible. Lastly, all three products contain PEG/PEG derivatives, which can make the mucous membrane more permeable to foreign substances.
Affordable choices
Beyond these issues, numerous products earned the testers' endorsement for occasional use, including all natural cosmetics options. Standout, budget-friendly options included the very good Dentabella mouthwash Antibacterial from Norma (0.83 euros) and the Dontodent Anti-Bacterial Mouthwash from DM (0.83 euros).
Following the examination of various mouthwashes, it's crucial to prioritize health and safety when choosing a product. After identifying questionable ingredients in some mouthwashes, it's essential to avoid products containing irritants like sodium lauryl sulfate and chlorhexidine.
