does all mouthwash kill bacteria?
337119
No, mouthwash doesn't always kill bacteria.  In addition, most mouthwashes (including Listerine) are antiseptics, which means that although they kill many of the bacteria that are present, they don't prevent other bacteria from colonizing your mouth after the wash is over.  \n\nAs for "making" bacteria...I'm pretty sure that's never been done. ;o)
307869
Hand Sanitizers and anti-bacterial soaps actually cause more harm than good.  They remove beneficial bacteria along with the bad stuff, they can irritate the skin helping a virus or bacetria to get in, and they cause resistant, stronger bacteria.
669350
my husband uses baking soda and water. \n\nI use a little bleach water with a VERY SMALL amount of dish soap and then rinse it all very well. Bleach is the same thing in city water, it wont hurt you, and it doesnt taste so horribly bad after its been rinsed out, where as baking soda does.\n\nwe're never tried it but we've heard that denture cleaner can work too.
1063737
Great question!\n\nYears ago I had a very old patient that probably had completely quit brushing.  Tons of plaque but very pleasant smelling breath.  My guess is that good smelling bacteria predominated.  I didn't scrape some off culture it and then package and sell it as a cure for bad breath....but I thought about it :)\n\nAs far as killing bad bacteria, there is supposed to be some testing of a genetically altered bacterial that kills off acid producing bacteria the goal being to eliminate the decay process.\n\nWe'll see....
694671
Yes and no.  Listerine kills the bacteria in your mouth for about 45 minutes.  So, it does kill the bacteria, but not for a long enough time to be effective.  So, you should continue to use Listerine 1-2 times a day, but realize that Listerine is one of the many tools you are going to use to fight your gum disease.  It is also great that you have an electric toothbrush, that will do wonders for your teeth.  Make sure you brush as much as possible (at least 2+ times a day), floss at least 2+ a day, use your Listerine, and continue to see your dentist and hygienist.  If you do these things, you should be able to overcome your gum disease and have a happy life with your soon to be happy teeth and gums!
345828
the burn you feel can actually be damaging/burning the sensitive tissue in your mouth.  I vaguely recall a new mouthwash on the market that boasts no burning.  I am sure you can find it at walmart.  There is no need to torture yourself to get your mouth clean, it is absolutely, not necessary.
797889
i just started using listerine for the same reason.  the dentist said to use it straight out of the bottle and swish for 30 seconds.  the taste was almost unbearable at first, but i have gotten used to it now.  i use the mouthwash first, then brush.  it really does seem to have helped, so i deal with the nasty taste.
967840
Yes, many of these mouth washes actually have somewhat dangerous ingredients and I always rinse afterwards. The fresh feeling doesn't go away at all and it's better than having to swallow the mouthwash which could corrode your esophagus and stomach lining with its powerful antibacterial ingredients. Always rinse!\n*Except for the fluoride type of mouthwashes, but those don't sting...
218921
Homemade Mouthwash\n\nMix equal parts of salt and baking soda as a mouthwash that sweetens the breath.  http://www.mealsforyou.com/cgi-bin/tips?tipID.5040+page.11+cats.1.5+search.more+ref.Health+nPage.15+nLinks.0\n\nIngredients:\n\n1/4 cup apple cider vinegar\n2 cups boiling water\nDirections:\n\nCombine vinegar with boiling water and let cool. Store in a clean bottle and use as needed.\n\nThis recipe for Homemade Mouthwash serves/makes 2.25 cups.\n\nhttp://mixes.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recipetemplate.php?mid=17091\n\nThis site has 5 recipes:  http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/beauty/homemade-recipes/mouthwash.htm
966317
You can do something simple like:\nWhich glue is stronger?\nwhich mouthwash kills more germs?\nwhich detergent removes stains the best?\nwhich paper towel is the strongest?\n\nhttp://www.scienceproject.com/projects/index/intermed.asp\n\nyou can use this website for ideas
612740
I was told by my Biology Professor that hand sanitizer isn't good at all because the 99.9% of germs and bacteria that it kills is the good bacteria that you need but doesn't do anything to the more harmful germs and bacteria because it's not strong enough.
94065
anything colored is going to pigment your oral cavity, but it won't last long.  Crest Pro Health is one of the best mouth rinses to use because it does not contain alcohol.
118154
Yes, the best thing for it is to rinse your mouth several times a day with warm salt water.  It has a healing effect on the gums and surrounding tissues.  Use 1 teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of water.
585877
Alcohol does NOT dissenfect anything. IT is a solvent that is used to clean the surface...has a very low surface tension. In cleaning, most bacteris are wiped away, but alcohol does NOT kill bacteria. Bacteria cannot 'grow' in concentrations much above 10% alcohol, but that doesn't mean they are dead..just dormant. There is no useful purpose in using alcohol of any higher concentration.
566161
It's an alcohol based mouthwash.  If you have tonsilitis, it'll keep your tonsils relatively sterile so the infection decreases, thus making your tonsils smaller.  but that's only if you're sick, if you're not sick all it'll do is give you a minty fresh "woosh"
475180
crest white strips and Listerine whitening mouthwash in between..don't get carried away with whitening though, the peroxide can damage your enamel
60036
You cannot say ALL bacteria will be killed in acidic conditions because that is just not true... the bacteria that usually infects people through food poisoning is salmonella and E. Coli... Some bacteria can withstand acid conditions. The acidity sometimes will raise, causing inflammation to try to rid the bacteria since pH level 2 did not break it down... and boy, does that hurt because I've had food poisoning by campylobacter bacteria 2 yrs ago... Food poisoning is so common because people do not always process or treat their food correctly...for example, unclean manufacturing or leaving meat out for 10hrs uncovered in the open, unrefridgerated...