What Happens If U Swallow Mouthwash

Mouthwash is used to freshen breath and keep teeth clean. But, it’s not meant to be swallowed. Swallowing mouthwash can cause serious problems, especially if you drink a lot of it. Most people swallow a little mouthwash when they rinse their mouth after brushing¹.

Small amounts of mouthwash are usually okay. But, drinking a lot of it, especially by kids, can be dangerous¹.

The FDA watches over mouthwash because it’s like a medicine¹. Mouthwash can have things like alcohol, chlorine, and essential oils in it². These can be harmful if swallowed, especially for babies and young kids².

Drinking too much mouthwash is called a mouthwash overdose¹. Signs of this include slurred speech, fast heart rate, and trouble breathing¹. Drinking too much mouthwash can make you very sick or even kill you².

Adults can handle more mouthwash than kids¹. Kids are more likely to get sick from mouthwash because they can’t handle alcohol well². If you swallow a lot of mouthwash, don’t try to throw it up¹. Call Poison Control and get help right away².

Key Takeaways

• Mouthwash is not intended to be swallowed and can be toxic in large quantities.
• Small amounts of swallowed mouthwash are unlikely to have adverse effects.
• A mouthwash overdose occurs when a person ingests a quantity beyond standard usage limits.
• Symptoms of a mouthwash overdose can include slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
• Children are more susceptible to mouthwash ingredients and have a lower threshold for alcohol intoxication.
• Contact Poison Control and seek emergency medical services for questions about mouthwash ingestion.

Understanding Mouthwash Ingredients

Mouthwash is a common product for oral hygiene. It helps freshen breath and keep teeth and gums healthy. Knowing the mouthwash ingredients is key to safe and effective use.

Common Active Ingredients in Mouthwash

The main active ingredients in mouthwash are:

• Cetylpyridinium chloride
• Chlorhexidine
• Essential oils (eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, thymol)
• Fluoride
• Peroxide

These ingredients kill bacteria, reduce plaque, and prevent tooth decay. But, too much can be toxic. Symptoms include abdominal pain, eye burns, coma, dizziness, headache, and skin issues³.

FDA Regulations on Mouthwash

The FDA regulates mouthwash as an over-the-counter drug. Manufacturers must follow strict guidelines. The FDA requires labels to include:

1. Active ingredients and their concentrations
2. Warnings about potential side effects
3. Directions for proper use

It’s important to follow the label’s instructions to avoid problems. Kids aged 6 to 12 should be watched when using mouthwash to prevent overdose⁴.

“Mouthwash is a valuable tool for maintaining oral health, but it’s important to use it responsibly and be aware of the potential risks associated with its ingredients.” – Dr. Sarah Thompson, DDS

By knowing the ingredients in mouthwash and following FDA rules, you can safely use it. This helps keep your smile healthy.

Is Swallowing a Small Amount of Mouthwash Harmful?

Swallowing a little mouthwash by accident is usually okay. It happens when you rinse your mouth too hard. The leftover mouthwash in your mouth is unlikely to hurt you⁵.

But, mouthwash is not meant to be swallowed. It has ingredients that can be dangerous if you drink too much⁵. These ingredients include:

• Ethyl alcohol (ethanol)
• Chlorhexidine gluconate
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Methyl salicylate
• Fluoride⁵

These parts help fight plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath. But, too much can cause problems⁵. For example, too much fluoride can make you feel sick⁵.

Children are more at risk from swallowing mouthwash. The American Dental Association says kids under 6 shouldn’t use mouthwash⁶⁵. Even a little bit of alcohol can harm kids and make them feel drunk⁵.

“Mouthwashes and mouth rinses are designed to be spit out and not swallowed due to potentially poisonous ingredients.”⁶

To avoid swallowing mouthwash, take these steps:

• Keep mouthwash away from kids⁵
• Watch kids aged 6 to 12 when they use mouthwash⁶⁵
• Teach kids to spit it out⁵
• Use mouthwash without alcohol⁵

In summary, swallowing a little mouthwash is usually safe. But, drinking too much can be harmful. By following the right steps and being careful, you can use mouthwash safely and avoid risks.

Potential Side Effects of Ingesting Mouthwash

Mouthwash is meant to freshen breath and kill bacteria. But swallowing it can cause side effects. These effects are usually mild if only a small amount is swallowed, as the body can get rid of it easily⁷. Still, it’s important to know the risks of swallowing mouthwash.

Nausea and Stomach Upset

Swallowing mouthwash often leads to nausea and stomach upset. The alcohol and essential oils in mouthwash can upset the stomach. This can cause queasiness, pain, or vomiting⁷.

Drinking water or milk can help make the chemicals less strong. This can make you feel better.

Throat Irritation

Swallowing mouthwash can also irritate the throat. The strong ingredients can make the throat burn or feel sore. This usually goes away quickly.

Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe the throat. It can make you feel better faster.

Diarrhea

Swallowing mouthwash can also cause diarrhea. This is especially true if the mouthwash has ingredients like sorbitol or xylitol. These can make you have loose stools.

Diarrhea from mouthwash usually doesn’t last long. But, it’s important to drink lots of fluids. This helps replace lost salts and keeps you hydrated⁸.

While these side effects are usually mild, swallowing alcohol-based mouthwash can be harmful. It can damage internal organs and lead to alcohol addiction⁷. If you have severe symptoms like trouble breathing or dizziness, call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222⁷⁸⁹.

Risks of Swallowing Large Quantities of Mouthwash

Mouthwash is great for keeping your mouth clean, but swallowing too much can be dangerous. The main dangers include alcohol poisoning, fluoride poisoning, and harm from other ingredients.

Alcohol Intoxication

Many mouthwashes have a lot of alcohol, up to 26.9% in some brands. This is more than beer and almost as much as wine¹⁰. Drinking just 2 to 4.5 ounces can be like having one drink¹⁰. This can lead to alcohol poisoning, especially if you drink too much in a short time¹⁰.

Fluoride Toxicity

Fluoride in mouthwash helps prevent cavities. But too much can be toxic. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. In serious cases, it might even cause seizures or heart problems.

Other Harmful Ingredients

Mouthwashes also have other ingredients that can be harmful. These include:

• Chlorhexidine gluconate
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Methyl salicylate

Drinking a lot of these can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea. It can also make you dizzy, lower your body temperature, and affect your heart rate¹⁰. Severe cases might include dizziness, drowsiness, trouble breathing, convulsions, or even coma¹¹.

If you think you’ve swallowed too much mouthwash, call 911 or the Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) right away¹⁰. The National Poison Control Center is also available at 1-800-222-1222 for help with mouthwash poisoning¹¹.

Mouthwash Overdose Symptoms

Mouthwash overdose happens when someone uses too much mouthwash. Kids aged 6 to 12 should be watched when using mouthwash. Kids under 6 might swallow it by mistake, so it’s not safe for them¹². Ingredients like chlorhexidine gluconate, ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, and methyl salicylate can be harmful in large amounts¹³.

Signs of mouthwash overdose can vary. They can be mild or serious, depending on how much was used and the person’s health. Common signs include:

• Nausea and vomiting (sometimes with blood)
• Abdominal pain and diarrhea
• Dizziness, drowsiness, and headache
• Slurred speech and impaired coordination
• Rapid heart rate and changes in heartbeat
• Low blood pressure, blood sugar, and body temperature
• Difficulty breathing and shallow, fast breathing
• Burns to the eye and sore throat
• Unconsciousness and coma in severe cases

Studies show 10-15% of alcoholics in detox use non-beverage alcohol like mouthwash. Half of these are regular users¹⁴. Listerine has about 24-27% alcohol, much more than beer, wine, or other liquors¹⁴.

Severe cases of mouthwash overdose, especially with fluoride or ethanol, can lead to convulsions or coma. If this happens, go to the emergency room right away¹². Treatment may include watching vital signs, doing tests, and giving medicine¹³.

If you think someone has overdosed on mouthwash, call for help right away. Don’t make them vomit unless a doctor or poison control tells you to¹³. The Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) is available 24/7 for advice on poisoning¹²¹³.

What to Do If You Accidentally Swallow Mouthwash

Swallowing a small amount of mouthwash is usually not a big deal. But, it’s good to know the risks and what to do if it happens. Mouthwashes have ingredients like fluoride that can upset your stomach if swallowed⁵. They also have alcohol, menthol, and other chemicals that can be harmful in large amounts⁵.

Rinsing Your Mouth with Water

If you swallow mouthwash by accident, start by rinsing your mouth with water. This helps to dilute the chemicals and reduces the risk of more harm. Keep rinsing and spitting out the water until your mouth is clean.

Drinking Milk to Dilute Chemicals

After rinsing, drinking a glass of milk is a good next step. Milk can neutralize and dilute mouthwash chemicals, which may help avoid stomach upset. The fat in milk can also protect your digestive tract from irritation.

Monitoring for Adverse Reactions

Even though swallowing a little mouthwash is usually okay, watch for any bad reactions⁵. Signs of too much mouthwash include slurred speech, fast heart rate, and trouble breathing¹. If you swallow a lot, you might feel dizzy, have trouble breathing, or even have seizures⁵.

If you see any bad symptoms or swallow a lot of mouthwash, call the Poison Control Center¹. They can help based on what you swallowed. They might suggest IV fluids, medicines, or even dialysis⁵.

Preventing mouthwash accidents is the best way to stay safe. Always use mouthwash as directed and don’t take too much. Keep it away from kids to avoid accidents.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Mouthwash is usually safe when used right. But, swallowing it by accident can be serious, especially for kids. The American Dental Association says kids under 6 should not use mouthwash to avoid swallowing it⁵. Young kids might have trouble stopping themselves from swallowing¹⁵.

If a kid swallows mouthwash, find out how much and call the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222⁵. Even a little alcohol from mouthwash can harm kids⁵.

Contacting Poison Control Center

Call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for emergencies¹⁵. Be ready to share:

• Type of mouthwash ingested
• Amount of mouthwash swallowed
• Age and weight of the person who ingested the mouthwash
• Any symptoms experienced

The Poison Control Center will tell you what to do next. This might mean watching for bad reactions or going to the hospital.

Visiting the Emergency Room

If a kid swallows a lot of mouthwash, go to the emergency room¹. Signs of mouthwash overdose include:

Treatments for mouthwash overdose might include IV fluids, medicines, and activated charcoal⁵. In very bad cases, they might need to use kidney dialysis⁵.

When it comes to mouthwash, it’s always safer to get help if you think a lot was swallowed.

Preventing Accidental Mouthwash Ingestion

Mouthwash is a common product for oral hygiene but can be dangerous if swallowed, especially by kids. To avoid mouthwash accidents, it’s key to store it safely and follow age guidelines.

A recent survey found that 12.5% of poisonings in kids under 6 were from products like mouthwash¹⁶. To address this, makers have added child-resistant caps and warning labels¹⁶. In 1995, the Consumer Product Safety Commission made a rule for mouthwashes with at least 3 grams of ethanol to have child-resistant packaging⁵.

Proper Mouthwash Usage Techniques

To use mouthwash safely and right, follow these tips:

• Children between 6 and 12 should be watched when using mouthwash¹⁷.
• Kids under 6 might have trouble not swallowing mouthwash, so it’s not good for them¹⁷. The American Dental Association also says kids under 6 shouldn’t use mouthwash⁵.
• Mouthwashes are meant to be spit out, not swallowed, because they can be harmful if swallowed a lot¹⁷.
• Only use the right amount of mouthwash and rinse for the time suggested before spitting it out.

Storing Mouthwash Safely

Storing mouthwash right is key to stop accidents:

• Keep mouthwash where kids can’t get it, like in a locked cabinet or high shelf.
• Always put the cap back on tightly after use.
• Store mouthwash in its original container with the label on for easy recognition.
• Don’t store mouthwash near other drinks to avoid confusion.

If mouthwash is swallowed by accident, watch for odd signs and call the Poison Control Center’s hotline at 800-222-1222 for help⁵. Signs of mouthwash overdose, like dizziness or trouble breathing, need quick action¹⁷.

By using mouthwash correctly and storing it safely, you can avoid accidents and keep your family’s oral hygiene routine safe and effective.

Alternatives to Alcohol-Based Mouthwashes

Most mouthwashes have alcohol¹⁸, but there are safer choices for those worried about kids accidentally drinking them. Options like Listerine Smart Rinse Kids, Orajel, ACT, and Crest are alcohol-free and still keep your mouth clean.

You can also make your own mouthwash at home. Use saltwater, baking soda, and coconut oil. Saltwater can help fight bacteria in your mouth¹⁹. Baking soda can kill bacteria when used in a 1% solution¹⁹.

Coconut oil pulling is another natural method. It involves swishing coconut oil in your mouth for a few minutes. It can help reduce plaque and gum inflammation¹⁹. But, studies show it doesn’t kill bacteria in your mouth¹⁹.

You can also use hydrogen peroxide, apple cider vinegar, and peppermint oil in homemade mouthwashes. But, hydrogen peroxide can be dangerous if you take too much¹⁸. Apple cider vinegar and peppermint oil are safer but can still upset your stomach if you drink too much¹⁸.

Propolis, a resin-like material made by bees, has shown to fight bacteria and reduce inflammation. It might be a good alternative to chlorhexidine for oral health.

Even though these alternatives are safer, it’s important to use them correctly and keep them away from kids. Even alcohol-free mouthwashes can have ingredients like fluoride that might upset your stomach if you swallow too much.

Swallow Mouthwash: The Bottom Line

Mouthwashes help keep our mouths healthy with ingredients like fluoride and alcohol⁵. But, swallowing them can be risky. Even a little can make you feel drunk⁵. Mouthwashes have alcohol from 5% to 27%, and the higher amounts can make you drunk²⁰.

Swallowing a bit of mouthwash might make you feel sick or dizzy²¹. But, too much can cause serious problems like trouble breathing or seizures⁵. It can also harm your kidneys and heart²⁰.

Children are more likely to overdose on mouthwash because they are smaller⁵. The American Dental Association says kids under 6 shouldn’t use mouthwash⁵²⁰. If a child swallows mouthwash, rinse their mouth with water and call Poison Control for help²⁰.

Always spit out mouthwash and never swallow it. It’s meant to be used in addition to brushing and flossing²¹. Swish mouthwash in your mouth for 30 seconds, twice a day, to keep your teeth clean²¹. If you’re worried about alcohol, there are alcohol-free mouthwashes available⁵.

The key takeaways are to use mouthwash wisely, don’t swallow it, and keep it away from kids. By doing this and taking care of your teeth regularly, you can enjoy mouthwash’s benefits safely.

Conclusion

Mouthwash is key for many in their oral care routine. But, it’s important to use it safely. Swallowing a little mouthwash might make you feel queasy or have diarrhea²². But, too much can cause serious problems like trouble breathing or even organ failure²³.

Children aged 6 to 12 need to be watched when using mouthwash. Kids under 6 shouldn’t use it because they might swallow it²².

To avoid swallowing mouthwash by accident, spit it out after rinsing. Also, don’t get distracted while brushing your teeth²². If you swallow a lot of mouthwash, get medical help right away. In serious cases, go to the emergency room and bring the mouthwash bottle²². You can also call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for help²².

Mouthwash is good for your teeth, but it can be dangerous if swallowed. By following the right use and looking into water flossers²³, you can keep your mouth healthy without risks. Stay aware, use mouthwash wisely, and get help if you need it.