Using mouthwash is known to help prevent teeth and gum problems. Common ingredients found in regular mouthwash include alcohol, detergents, preservatives and fluoride that help remove food debris, prevent bacteria growth in the mouth and kill germs that contribute to tooth decay and bad breath. However, if you think that rinsing your mouth with regular mouthwash is good enough to cure sore throats thanks to their antiseptic properties, think again.
A sore throat is usually the first sign of a cold or flu, so it is important to stop it at an early stage to prevent it from worsening to your nearest and dearest. As 85% of sore throats are caused by viruses, merely using mouthwash to get rid of only some bacteria may not be enough.
Here are 3 reasons why regular mouthwash is not effective against sore throats:
1. Regular mouthwash is only effective for removing debris in the mouth
When used in a three-step regular oral hygiene routine, regular mouthwash can actually help remove additional plaque and bacteria in the mouth. This is because it is formulated with detergents that can help dislodge and remove debris and plaque that brushing and flossing can't.
2. Anti-bacterial mouthwash can only reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth
When used daily, antibacterial mouthwash can actually help control the amount of bacteria in the mouth by killing the bacteria in the mouth but they are not effective in relieving a sore throat if it is of a viral cause.
3. Regular mouthwash can't fight against viruses
Sure, regular mouthwash contains ingredients to help prevent tooth decay and gum diseases but it is not known to be effectively kill viruses that cause sore throats.
What Alternatives are available?
As 85% of sore throats are caused by viruses, it would be more effective to use a product that has activity against a broad range of microorganisms, including viruses. BETADINE® Gargle and Mouthwash contains 1% povidone iodine which has been shown to kill viruses, bacteria and fungi*. At the same time, povidone iodine is also able to help provide relief of the symptoms of a sore throat.
Using regular mouthwash can help in your overall oral hygiene but if you're looking for a product that addresses the root cause of sore throats, then BETADINE® Gargle and Mouthwash is your go-to solution. With the ability to kill 99.99% of viruses and bacteria, this medicine cabinet essential will be able to effectively treat your sore throats, keeping you and your family active and healthy.
*based on in vitro trials
