The first historical mention of a mouth wash product is from Chinese medicine around the year 2700 BC, this was used in the treatment of gingivitus. During the Roman and Greek periods, the rinsing of the mouth after manual cleansing was commonly practiced by the upper classes with the famous physician Hippocrates recommending a mixture of salt, alum and vinegar. Modern mouthwashes as we know them first came to prominence in the late 1960’s when professor Hard Loe discovered that a compound made from chlorhexidine could help prevent plaque build up.
Key Ingredients
Commonly used ingredients in modern mouthwashes include eucalyptol, thymol, hexetidine, methyl salicyate, menthol, methylparaben, hydrogen peroxide and often fluoride. Many also include sweeteners like sorbitoal and sodium saccharine and xylitol. In some products alcohol may be added as it contributes to the antibacterial effect to carry the flavour. Commercial mouthwashes often contain preservatives like sodium benzoate which can help to ensure the product stays fresh after the bottle is opened. It’s important to note that if you suffer from heartburn, acid reflux or similar conditions, that many mouthwashes are high in acidity so you should opt for a neutral pH wash to avoid any unnecessary irritation.
