Many of today’s mouthwashes contain alcohol, which is effective at killing the germs that cause bad breath. But, it is not necessarily the alcohol that makes a person’s breath smell minty fresh. Instead, it’s the flavoring used in the product. While the alcohol may kill the germs and bacteria, it also opens the door for more germs to enter. Saliva is the body’s first line of defense against the growth of bacteria and alcohol tends to dry out the mouth, creating a welcome environment for many bacteria.
Once the effects of the germ-fighting ingredients in mouthwash have diluted in the mouth other bacteria begin to form, causing what commonly results in a sulfur smell emanating from the oral cavity. Brushing and flossing away all of the old food particles will go further to eliminate bad breath, but the presence of bacteria in the hard to reach places within the mouth invites the bacteria to grow into plaque between the teeth and gums.
It is this plaque that evolves into gingivitis that can cause swollen gums as well as bleeding gums when brushed or flossed. This bacteria can also cause lead to periodontitis while will lead to tooth decay if not stopped in time. While brushing is a major part of proper oral hygiene, too many mouthwashes and the alcohol they contain, while effective at killing germs can also damage the soft tissue of the gums. There are some natural ingredients such as sodium chlorite that have proven effective at fighting the bacteria, yet are kind to the tissue.
Products containing sodium chlorite are also usually free of alcohol or other irritating ingredients and are effective at killing the germs that cause bad breath while maintaining a safe environment for the tissue. Instead of using alcohol and some of the more astringent essential oils, protection against the build up of plaque will do more in preventing tooth decay and bad breath than many of the other commercial oral hygiene products on the market.
Some of the more popular products on the market claim to kill nearly 100 percent of the bacteria in the mouth, but some fail to mention that their affect is short-lived. Soon after use, the lack of saliva in the mouth becomes a breeding ground for more bacteria and unless the plaque is removed from between the gums and teeth, it will continue to grow in form into plaque.
These infectious bacteria can also be washed into the blood stream where it travels to other organs in the body and has been determined to contribute to heart problems and in some cases, stroke. Because swollen are an early sign of a bacterial problem, it is important to know what is behind the swollen gums as early as possible. For reasons other than fresh breath, insuring that the bacteria cannot form into plaque and cause additional health problems, it is important to treat all the signs of swollen gums as quickly as they appear.
