Have you ever experienced bleeding gums, canker sores, and bad breath? Can mouthwash cause canker sores? For some people it can: strong, alcohol-based mouthwashes may irritate the delicate lining of the mouth and the gums for several reasons. I am a mother of 3 and I had to be extra careful with those. Below you will find the four reasons that worried me most, plus honest answers on canker sores, overusing mouthwash, stinging and dry mouth, and when to see a dentist. Here is what I found:
Why mouthwash can be harsh: 4 reasons
1. High Alcohol Content in Mouthwashes
Many mouthwashes in shops contain alcohol, which can dry the mouth in some people. A dry mouth is less effective at washing away food particles and bacteria, which can make dental issues, like bad breath and tooth decay, more likely. Check the ingredients list for ethanol or alcohol if your mouth often feels dry.
2. Irritation Caused by Aggressive Chemicals
Strong ingredients in some mouthwashes can irritate the delicate tissues of the mouth, including the gums, and leave them feeling sore. Read the label, and if your mouth is sensitive, be careful with ingredients such as ethanol (ethyl alcohol) and methyl salicylate. Antiseptic rinses with chlorhexidine are sometimes recommended by dentists for a short time, so use those only as your dentist advises.
3. Disruption of Oral Microbiome
Harsh mouthwashes can disrupt the natural balance of good bacteria in the mouth. This imbalance can lead to various oral health issues, including irritation and other mouth problems, and some people notice more canker sores. Here are some other common mouthwash ingredients that may upset your oral microbiome:
Alcohol: reduces bacteria in general, both good and bad, and can dry the mouth.
Hydrogen peroxide: also affects good and bad bacteria alike, and frequent or strong use can irritate the gums.
Chlorhexidine: a strong antiseptic that dentists sometimes recommend for a short time. With longer use it may stain your teeth, increase tartar and alter your sense of taste, so follow your dentist's advice.
4. Risk of Accidental Ingestion
If you are a parent - be careful! One of my three children once drank some of my mouthwash. It was a real scare, and he had an upset stomach for a couple of weeks. Swallowing mouthwash, especially one that contains alcohol, can be dangerous for children, so keep every mouthwash out of their reach and teach them to spit it out. If a child swallows some, call NHS 111 or your GP for advice, and call 999 if they seem seriously unwell.
Can mouthwash cause canker sores or mouth ulcers?
Mouth ulcers, often called canker sores, are very common and have many causes, including small knocks inside the mouth, stress, tiredness, hormonal changes and some foods. Mouthwash is not the only cause, but strong or alcohol-based formulas can sting and dry the lining of the mouth, and some people find that sores appear or hurt more when they use one.
If you notice ulcers soon after starting a new mouthwash, stop using it for a couple of weeks and see whether things settle. Look at the label for ethanol and strong flavourings, which are the usual culprits. For gentle day-to-day care while an ulcer heals, read our guide to mouth ulcers on the tongue: how to spot and soothe them.
Can you overuse mouthwash?
Yes, more is not better. Rinsing again and again through the day, or using a strong antiseptic rinse for months, can leave the mouth dry, sore or tingling and may change how food tastes. A white coating that does not wipe off can be a sign of oral thrush, which is more often linked to antibiotics, inhaled steroids or dentures than to mouthwash, but is worth showing to your GP or dentist.
A sensible routine is simple:
- Follow the directions on the bottle for how often to rinse and for how long.
- Spit it out and never swallow it.
- Use it as an extra after brushing and cleaning between your teeth, never instead of them.
- Stop using it if your mouth feels sore, dry or tingly, and ask your dentist what suits you.
Why does mouthwash sting, dry the mouth or irritate the gums?
The burning feeling usually comes from alcohol and strong flavourings such as menthol. Alcohol dries the lining of the mouth, and gums that are already sore or bleeding feel the sting even more. If a mouthwash burns, it is a sign that it may be too strong for you, not that it is "working harder".
A gentler choice is an alcohol-free, mild-tasting mouthwash. Our Organic Smoke Tree mouthwash is an alcohol-free cosmetic floral water, so it does not have that alcohol sting. It has an earthy, smoky taste that takes a few days to get used to, as some buyers mention in the reviews below. You can read more about the plant in smoke tree: benefits for the skin, gums and feet.
When to see a dentist or GP
Mouthwash cannot replace a check-up. See a dentist or your GP if:
- a mouth ulcer has not healed after about three weeks, or sores keep coming back
- your gums bleed often, are swollen or hurt, or a tooth is painful
- you have white or red patches in the mouth that do not wipe off
- your mouth stays very dry, or burns even with a gentle mouthwash
- you have swelling of the face or jaw, a fever, or trouble swallowing or opening your mouth
- a child has swallowed mouthwash (call NHS 111 or 999 straight away if they seem unwell)
My solution as a mother: For those looking for a gentle alternative, look for organic mouthwashes that are alcohol-free and mild, as they are less likely to sting or dry the mouth. Natural ingredients are also less likely to stain, which many people appreciate. I researched on my own and found that smoke tree is a plant traditionally used for mouth care. That's when we created our organic, alcohol-free Smoke Tree mouthwash, a cosmetic floral water for everyday mouth care. Our family's organic farming work was later recognised with the Organic Farmer of the Year award in Bulgaria.
You can try it from here: Organic Smoke Tree mouthwash
You can try it from here: Organic Smoke Tree mouthwash
Our family approach to gentle mouth care
Our family brand produces only organic solutions from our own gardens, and we believe in the power of nature - NOT in chemicals. Instead of making products with a simple goal to sell them, we create products that we would give to our own children.
Our organic, alcohol-free mouthwash is made from our homegrown smoke tree. See what verified buyers say about it:
What verified buyers say
★★★★★
“Although the taste is different to the usual mouthwash it's not unpleasant. It doesn't burn your mouth and leaves it feeling fresh.”
Ros Davies, verified buyer
★★★★★
“I like this mouthwash better than any other that I have used. It is not coloured or highly flavoured, but gentle and effective. It is the best thing that I have found to use on sensitive teeth.”
Angela Brown, verified buyer
★★★★★
“This is the best mouth wash I have ever used. Doesn’t sting like main stream ones and I saw a difference from the first time I used it. The only complaint I would have is WE NEED A BIGGER BOTTLE GUYSS! Keep up the good work”
Tami, verified buyer
Frequently asked questions
Can mouthwash cause canker sores?
It can for some people. Strong or alcohol-based mouthwashes may sting and dry the lining of the mouth, and in sensitive people this seems to make mouth ulcers more likely or more painful. Ulcers also have many other causes, such as minor knocks, stress and tiredness. If sores appear after you start a new mouthwash, stop using it for a couple of weeks and see whether things settle.
Can you overuse mouthwash?
Yes. Rinsing more often than the label says, or using a strong antiseptic rinse for months, can leave the mouth dry, sore or tingling and may change how food tastes. Use it as directed, as an extra after brushing and cleaning between your teeth, never instead of them.
Can mouthwash cause dry mouth?
Mouthwashes that contain alcohol can make the mouth feel dry in some people, because alcohol dries the lining of the mouth. If your mouth often feels dry after rinsing, look for an alcohol-free formula and talk to your dentist, as a dry mouth can also be caused by medicines and other things.
Could an alcohol-based mouthwash irritate a sensitive mouth?
Yes, it can. The sting or burning feeling many people notice usually comes from alcohol and strong flavourings. If your gums or the lining of your mouth are sensitive, an alcohol-free, mild-tasting mouthwash is usually more comfortable.
Does mouthwash help hurting gums?
A mouthwash can leave the mouth feeling fresh and comfortable, but it does not replace brushing, cleaning between your teeth and regular dental check-ups. Gums that hurt, bleed often or are swollen should be checked by a dentist, so that the cause can be found.
Take a look at our Smoke Tree mouthwash:
What makes our Smoke Tree Hydrolina special?
Smoke tree water is a cosmetic floral water made from a plant that is rich in tannins and flavonoids. These plant compounds are known for their astringent character, which gives the mouth a firm, clean feel. Used as part of a daily routine, it may help soothe the feeling of sensitive gums. It does not replace dental care, and gum disease needs a dentist.
We create our organic floral waters from natural and organic ingredients. It is alcohol-free, so it is a gentle option if strong mouthwashes sting, and it supports a feeling of freshness in the mouth.
Family pack for oral care:
Our website: inaessentials.co.uk
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