Note when using antibacterial mouthwash

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Hong Phuc - General Internal Medicine - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital.

In addition to daily brushing, for effective oral care, antibacterial mouthwash is also a useful tool. With the current SAR-Covid-19 epidemic, many information flows suggest that using an antibacterial mouthwash helps prevent the disease. How true is this? What should be noted when using antiseptic mouthwash?

Mouthwash has many different types, usually in the form of a solution containing antiseptic agents such as boric acid, menthol, zinc sulfate, cetylpyridinium, chlorhexidine,... This mouthwash has a good bactericidal role, in dentistry used by many people. Recommended to help strengthen teeth, prevent tooth decay.
There are many types of antibacterial mouthwash on the market today, but they can be divided into the common ones according to the following ingredients:
1.1 NaCl salted mouthwash This solution contains NaCl that has been mixed with the appropriate concentration , ensuring both an antiseptic effect and helping to protect the cells of the oral and throat mucosa. From there, it helps to eliminate harmful bacteria that exist in the pharynx, preventing infection.
The concentration of NaCl used today is 0.9%, in medicine also known as physiological saline, isotonic saline solution is the most suitable for gargling. The way to use this NaCl salt water is to rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth in the morning and at night.
1.2 Listerine mouthwash The main ingredient of Listerine mouthwash is T hymol 0.064% concentration, there may be some other essential oils such as: menthol, cedarwood essential oil, eucalyptus essential oil, methyl salicylate essential oil,...

This solution has an antiseptic effect, against mild mucosal edema. It is indicated to gargle for 30 seconds, twice a day.
1.3 Povidone-iod Mouthwash This mouthwash contains Povidone-iod 1%, which is an effective antiseptic, while helping to fight fungus and reduce bad breath. High concentrations of Povidone-iodine can cause edema and inflammation of the oral mucosa, so look for products with a 1% concentration suitable for daily rinsing.
1.4 Giva solution This antibacterial mouthwash is widely indicated in dentistry, used for cases of periodontitis, pharyngitis to disinfect, fight edema. This solution usually needs to be diluted 1/10 with clean water to increase effectiveness and avoid reverse damage.

Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have not recommended the use of antibacterial mouthwash as a preventive measure against SAR-Covid-19 infection.
However, many people believe that, with the local antiseptic effect, using this aqueous solution also helps to quickly prevent the risk of infection. There are also many published scientific articles, demonstrating the effectiveness of rapidly inactivating viral strains similar to SAR-Covid-19 .

However, more research is needed before reaching a conclusion about the effectiveness of using antibacterial mouthwash in preventing SAR-Covid-19 infection. Currently, there is no recommendation to use antibacterial mouthwash to prevent SAR-Covid-19 in the community, but it is still used for high-risk subjects such as: healthcare workers, close contacts of people. suspected infection, dentist and nurse at the department of odonto-stomatology and otolaryngology,...

To use antibacterial mouthwash effectively, it is necessary to note some of the following issues:
Use strictly according to the instructions for rinsing the mouth
Most antibacterial mouthwash solutions require the user to keep water in the mouth for about 30 minutes. seconds, holding time too short or too long is not good. In addition, it should be used twice a day, do not gargle too much.
Choose the right solution according to the ingredients
Antibacterial mouthwash has many ingredients as above, with the purpose of disinfecting, reducing inflammation, reducing odors, ... different. Therefore, depending on the purpose of oral hygiene, periodontal disease treatment, teeth whitening, ... but choose a mouthwash with different ingredients and antibacterial agents.
Use age-appropriate products
Children and adults use different antibacterial mouthwash solutions. Most current products are recommended for children from 6 years old, should not be used by children under 2 years old.
Combine using mouthwash with brushing

Mouthwash cannot completely remove harmful agents to the teeth, but only supports cleaning of bacteria after the removal step. Therefore, you should not only use mouthwash instead of brushing your teeth, in addition, you should visit your dentist every 6 months to check for dental diseases.
There are many flavors of mouthwash
To make daily mouthwash a habit and hobby of the whole family, choose to buy different scents according to the preferences of each member. Your favorite cool scent not only brings pleasant breath, but also increases self-confidence and comfort.
Thus, using an antibacterial mouthwash solution helps to support oral hygiene, preventing tooth decay, plaque and bad odors. For high-risk subjects, antibacterial mouthwash is also recommended to prevent SAR-Covid-19 infection. Remember to use it properly for best results.