About Mark Bornfeld DDS Expertise I can respond to all questions dealing with the practice of dentistry, from both the dentist`s and patient`s perspective. I am knowledgeable about all dental disciplines, from cosmetic dentistry to surgery, from restorative dentistry to root canal treatment. I have strong opinions about controversial issues in dental practice, including those topics which directly impact on the reputation of the profession in the eyes of both the lay public and our health profession colleagues.
Experience
Past/Present Clients Editor, Queens County Academy of General Dentistry newsletter; contributor to Dentistry.com 29 years practicing general dentistry partnered with brother Steve as one-half of the DentalTwins®
Is it true that too much mouthwash use (3-4 times a day) will result in black teeth? My dentist told me that. Are there any health benefits in using mouthwash daily? Are there any harmful agents in mouthwash?
Answer The answer to your questions depends on just which mouthwash you're talking about. Prescription mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine gluconate, such as Peridex or PerioGard, will cause a deposit of dark stain on teeth; mouthwashes without this ingredient will not.
The conventional wisdom among dentists is that mouthwashes are of limited benefit in promoting oral health or treating oral disease. Most of these products are used to control bad breath, but have little lasting benefit in reducing oral malodor. There are specific mouthwashes that convey certain benefits-- for example, chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwashes can help maintain lower bacteria counts in patients who are physically unable to practice effective oral hygiene, and fluoride rinses improve resistance to tooth decay. However, most commercial mouthwash products tend to show value only in advertising or in clinical studies funded by the manufacturer; to my mind, there is little to recommend them.
Excessive use of mouthwash increases the probability of irritation or tissue sensitization; this is particularly true of cinnamon-flavored products such as Lavoris or those with high alcohol content, which would include almost all of them. Even though the risk is relatively small, when considered with the limited utility of these products, there is little therapeutic justification for their use.
Hope this helps...
Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY
