A member asked:

Can alcohol be used as a mouthwash?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. Meng Syn answered

Yes, but: Many commercial mouthwashes have alcohol as an active agent because of its antibacterial action. Alcohol has traditionally been used in medicine to surface sterilize tissue. In the mouth, however, it can desiccate the oral mucosa which can be harmful as well as kill good bacteria in the mouth. Most dentist today do not recommend alcohol containing mouthwashes even to treat infected gums.

Answered 4/13/2019

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NO: Rubbing alcohol is not meant to be ingested. Drinking alcohol is not strong enough to kill the bacteria that causes gum disease.

Answered 5/30/2018

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