Mouthwash is a common product designed to improve oral hygiene by freshening breath and reducing plaque. Its intended use involves swishing the liquid briefly around the mouth and then spitting it out. It is important to understand that mouthwash is not formulated for ingestion, and swallowing more than a small, accidental amount poses a serious health risk. The chemical composition that makes it effective for rinsing also makes it potentially toxic when consumed in larger quantities.
Key Ingredients That Cause Harm
The danger of swallowing mouthwash stems from the high concentration of active ingredients, which are safe for external oral contact but harmful when they enter the digestive system. Many popular mouthwashes contain a significant percentage of ethanol, a form of alcohol that acts as a solvent and antiseptic. These concentrations can be higher than those found in wine or beer, meaning ingesting a few ounces can quickly lead to alcohol poisoning, especially in children.
Children are particularly susceptible to ethanol’s intoxicating effects due to their smaller body mass. The ingredient rapidly absorbs into the bloodstream through the stomach, overwhelming the body’s ability to process the toxin.
Fluoride is another active component included to strengthen tooth enamel; while beneficial in trace amounts, swallowing excess fluoride can lead to acute toxicity. Other ingredients, such as cetylpyridinium chloride or essential oils like methyl salicylate, also contribute to the liquid’s toxicity. Methyl salicylate, for example, is found in wintergreen flavoring and can be dangerous in large doses, particularly for younger individuals.
Acute Health Risks of Swallowing
The physiological effects of ingestion depend on the amount swallowed and the concentration of harmful chemicals. Swallowing a small sip during a routine rinse might result in mild, transient symptoms, such as a brief burning sensation in the throat or a slightly upset stomach. This mild reaction is usually caused by the irritant properties of the flavorings and antiseptics.
Ingesting a larger, toxic amount introduces systemic risks, primarily driven by the ethanol content. High alcohol intake can quickly lead to Central Nervous System (CNS) depression, manifesting as severe drowsiness, confusion, and dizziness. In serious cases, this systemic poisoning can slow breathing, cause slurred speech, and lead to dangerous drops in blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Acute fluoride toxicity, while less common than alcohol poisoning from mouthwash, presents with severe gastrointestinal distress, including abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. In severe instances, fluoride can interfere with the body’s electrolyte balance, potentially leading to muscle weakness, convulsions, and cardiac irregularities.
Emergency Response Procedures
If someone, especially a child, swallows more than a small, accidental amount of mouthwash, immediate action is necessary. First, remain calm and quickly assess the situation, determining the type and approximate quantity ingested. Immediately contact the national Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for expert guidance.
When speaking with the specialist, have the mouthwash bottle nearby to accurately relay the product’s ingredients and concentrations. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless a healthcare professional or the Poison Control Center explicitly instructs you to do so. Inducing vomiting may cause further injury or risk aspiration of the toxic chemicals into the lungs.
If the person experiences severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, seizures, or loss of consciousness, bypass Poison Control and call emergency services immediately. In these scenarios, time is a determining factor for a positive outcome. Always bring the mouthwash container to the emergency room so doctors can quickly identify the specific toxins involved.