Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsMouthwash IngredientsSymptomsEmergency HelpUse Mouthwash SafelyAre Some Safe to Swallow?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Mouthwash Ingredients
Symptoms
Emergency Help
Use Mouthwash Safely
Are Some Safe to Swallow?
Mouthwash, with or without ethanol (ethyl alcohol), contains various ingredients that can be dangerous if consumed in large quantities, resulting in unwanted or severe symptoms.However, most adults are not at risk if they accidentally swallow a mouthful of mouthwash.
In most cases, you would have to consume a lot ofmouthwashand not use it as intended to have a problem. However, some mouthwashes contain ingredients that are more likely to cause symptoms if ingested, especially in babies and young children.
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Mouthwash Ingredients That Are Harmful When Swallowed
Prescription mouthwashes are available for certain oral or dental conditions, but they pose different risks based on their active ingredients.
A Word From VerywellMouthwashes can be a useful supplement to your oral healthcare routine. Accidentally swallowing some is usually not life-threatening, but it is good to know what to do if that happens.—EDMUND KHOO, DDS, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Mouthwashes can be a useful supplement to your oral healthcare routine. Accidentally swallowing some is usually not life-threatening, but it is good to know what to do if that happens.—EDMUND KHOO, DDS, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Mouthwashes can be a useful supplement to your oral healthcare routine. Accidentally swallowing some is usually not life-threatening, but it is good to know what to do if that happens.
—EDMUND KHOO, DDS, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Monitor for Possible Symptoms
A mouthful of mouthwash is not a toxic dose, so if an adult accidentally swallows some when swishing, they are not at risk for severe symptoms.
If you swallow mouthwash, the symptoms will depend on what kind of mouthwash it is, what ingredients it contains, and how much you consume. However, intentionally drinking mouthwashes can cause an upset stomach or more concerning symptoms of intoxication or toxicity that include:
When to Seek Help If a Child Ingests Mouthwash
If an infant or child swallows even small amounts of mouthwash, the consequences are more severe. Children have a lower threshold for alcohol intoxication than adults and are more susceptible to most of the other ingredients that can appear in mouthwash.
If children haveuncontrolled vomitingor diarrhea that leads to weakness, lethargy, or reduced urination, seek medical attention. Children who become unconscious or have difficulty breathing should receive immediate emergency medical care.
Poison Control
How to Recognize and Treat Poisoning
When to Seek Emergency Help
Most of the problems adults develop from swallowing too much mouthwash, such as nausea or vomiting, will resolve on their own. However, these symptoms can become dangerous if they continue for too long. Signs that you should seek emergency help after swallowing mouthwash include:
Slow breathing or severe intoxication that leads to loss of consciousness or coma is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.
In the emergency room, your healthcare provider may order blood or urine tests to gauge the severity of your intoxication and determine the best course of treatment.
How to Use Mouthwash Safely
To use mouthwash safely, follow the directions on the product label. You may have special instructions if you are using aprescription mouthwash.
Generally, you will take a mouthful of mouthwash and swish it around inside your mouth. You may even gargle with mouthwash, but be careful not to swallow it. After you’re done swishing or gargling, spit out the mouthwash. Some mouthwashes may recommend rinsing your mouth with water after spitting out the excess.
How to Get the Most Out of Mouthwash
Is There a Mouthwash That Is Not Harmful to Swallow?
Some mouthwashes are made for sensitive groups, like children and older adults, that may be labeled as safe to drink. However, this does not mean you won’t have any effects if you swallow a large amount; but the threat of reaching toxic levels is less.
If you purchase a mouthwash labeled “safe to swallow,” check with a dentist, medical provider, or Poison Control about the best way to use it and what to do if you ingest too much.
Summary
Mouthwash helps you maintain good oral health or treat specific oral or dental problems. Swallowing a little bit while you are using it is unlikely to cause a problem. Drinking excessive amounts—more than a mouthful—either accidentally or recreationally, however, can lead to illness or even fatal toxicity. Contact Poison Control and emergency medical services with questions about mouthwash ingestion.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Comprehensive Wellness Centers.The dangers of drinking mouthwash.Poison Control.Mouthwash: swish and spit.Poison Control.Chlorine dioxide and sodium chlorite oral rinse.American Dental Association.Mouthrinse (mouthwash).Radzki D, Wilhelm-Węglarz M, Pruska K, Kusiak A, Ordyniec-Kwaśnica I.A Fresh Look at Mouthwashes-What Is Inside and What Is It For?Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(7):3926. March 2022. doi:10.3390/ijerph19073926
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Comprehensive Wellness Centers.The dangers of drinking mouthwash.Poison Control.Mouthwash: swish and spit.Poison Control.Chlorine dioxide and sodium chlorite oral rinse.American Dental Association.Mouthrinse (mouthwash).Radzki D, Wilhelm-Węglarz M, Pruska K, Kusiak A, Ordyniec-Kwaśnica I.A Fresh Look at Mouthwashes-What Is Inside and What Is It For?Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(7):3926. March 2022. doi:10.3390/ijerph19073926
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Comprehensive Wellness Centers.The dangers of drinking mouthwash.Poison Control.Mouthwash: swish and spit.Poison Control.Chlorine dioxide and sodium chlorite oral rinse.American Dental Association.Mouthrinse (mouthwash).Radzki D, Wilhelm-Węglarz M, Pruska K, Kusiak A, Ordyniec-Kwaśnica I.A Fresh Look at Mouthwashes-What Is Inside and What Is It For?Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(7):3926. March 2022. doi:10.3390/ijerph19073926
Comprehensive Wellness Centers.The dangers of drinking mouthwash.
Poison Control.Mouthwash: swish and spit.
Poison Control.Chlorine dioxide and sodium chlorite oral rinse.
American Dental Association.Mouthrinse (mouthwash).
Radzki D, Wilhelm-Węglarz M, Pruska K, Kusiak A, Ordyniec-Kwaśnica I.A Fresh Look at Mouthwashes-What Is Inside and What Is It For?Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(7):3926. March 2022. doi:10.3390/ijerph19073926
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