“Can mouthwashes cause erosion of teeth calcium?”
I read in an article that frequent use of mouthwashes can rip off the calcium from the teeth and make them weaker. Is this really true?
7 Answers
Some mouthwashes are harsh on mouth tissues.
As far as removing calcium from the teeth, it would have to be very acidic. I am not familiar with that type of mouthwash. You are talking about mouth wash. Leaving food particles on teeth, can create "white spots". White spots mean the calcium has been removed from the tooth. This means that at that area the tooth is weakened. It could lead to decay. Braces on teeth place a "must do" for the patient. All food particles have to be removed from around the brackets and bands. If you see someone who has worn braces, and you see these white spots all around their teeth and at the gum line. These are decalcifications. The calcium has been removed at that area. There were no harsh chemicals, there was no pain. The acid formed was from food particles decaying and left on teeth for long time. People who eat or drink acidic foods can have sensitive teeth. After you have had anything acidic in your mouth, drinking some water dilutes the acid concentration. This also includes candy and other sweets. Rinsing your mouth if you are not at home or have a tooth brush lowers the caries risk. Carbonated beverages are also acidic. There is a connection between drinking carbonated drinks and calcium in your bones. There are many contributing factors with decalcification and teeth. This should be another indication that home care done correctly plays a major role in tooth-mouth health.
As far as removing calcium from the teeth, it would have to be very acidic. I am not familiar with that type of mouthwash. You are talking about mouth wash. Leaving food particles on teeth, can create "white spots". White spots mean the calcium has been removed from the tooth. This means that at that area the tooth is weakened. It could lead to decay. Braces on teeth place a "must do" for the patient. All food particles have to be removed from around the brackets and bands. If you see someone who has worn braces, and you see these white spots all around their teeth and at the gum line. These are decalcifications. The calcium has been removed at that area. There were no harsh chemicals, there was no pain. The acid formed was from food particles decaying and left on teeth for long time. People who eat or drink acidic foods can have sensitive teeth. After you have had anything acidic in your mouth, drinking some water dilutes the acid concentration. This also includes candy and other sweets. Rinsing your mouth if you are not at home or have a tooth brush lowers the caries risk. Carbonated beverages are also acidic. There is a connection between drinking carbonated drinks and calcium in your bones. There are many contributing factors with decalcification and teeth. This should be another indication that home care done correctly plays a major role in tooth-mouth health.
ADA approved mouthwashes will not damage your teeth.
Mouthwash does not cause erosion of the enamel of teeth. A number of mouthwashes are alcohol based and are not designed to harm teeth in anyway.
The biochemistry of mouthwash is mostly effervescent and lavage produced by vigorous rinsing but the American Dental Association is careful in regulating the components of what actually makes up the liquid we use in such great concentrations and volume. Overuse of any product is not recommended. It is possible that age has a factor with recession of your gum tissue exposing delicate cementum from overzealous brushing or neglect which may do more damage then the concern you have for frequency in using the mouth rinse. This gives rise to the old adage getting long in the tooth. I don't have any idea how old you are but your dentition should not show your age.
If the mouthwash is very acidic, like vinegar, or possibly high in alcohol, it could weaken the teeth, but otherwise, no.
Not really
I haven’t heard it. But I’d rather rinse with salt and water.
