Mouthwash makes things worse!

[mat777]

I brush my teeth every morning when I get up and every night before I go to bed, using an electric toothbrush.
A few times recently I've woken up with a stale taste in my mouth so decided to buy some Listerine to supplement the brushing before bed. Now, I can just about put up with the fact it burns like hell, but when I use it my mouth feels 10 times more stale than when I dont!

Wy is this happening? Is it simply killing the inside of my mouth?

[Mojooo]

It might be drying out your mouth?

Do you floss? Flossing is more worthwhile than mouthwash IMO.

[steveT350C]

Try alcohol free mouthwash? Listerine is about 20% ethanol.

[carter711]

I use listening original and have done for a few years now, you get used to the burning sensation, I don't feel it all anymore.

[motco]

I really don't think rinsing you mouth daily with alcohol is a good idea. Alcohol-free is safer I'd have thought. People get mouth cancer from various things - the membranes are delicate.

[Migsy]

Another one for flossing and tongue scraper too.

Our dentist recommends mouthwash not after brushing but after evening meal.

[Rach*]

I very rarely recommend mouthwash, you just need to brush well, floss or IDbrush and tongue brush, don't rinse away your toothpaste residue. Have regular check-ups and some motivation with your hygienist

If you absolutely must use a mouthwash, look for an alcohol free fluoride containing one and use it seperate to toothpaste, eg. after lunch.

[mat777]

Thanks for the advice chaps, I'll relegate the mouthwash to after mealtimes! I do brush pretty thoroughly, so what would you recommend in place of mouthwash to help prevent the occasional stale mouth taste in the mornings?

[Rach*]

Chaps??

You could use disclosing tablets to make sure you've done a good job. You don't need m/wash in a morning, just brush! Your mouth gets dry overnight naturally, which leads to morning breath.