Dr. Jay Grossman warns daily mouthwash use may do more harm than good

Celebrity dentist Dr. Jay Grossman says mouthwash is useful for some patients, but frequent use of strong antiseptic rinses can be unnecessary and may disrupt the mouth’s bacterial balance. He says people should tailor mouthwash use to their dental needs and rely first on brushing and flossing.

Why it matters: - Social media claims have raised fears that daily mouthwash could kill beneficial oral bacteria and increase risks tied to diabetes, blood pressure, heart disease and blood flow. - Dr. Jay Grossman says the bigger issue is overuse, not mouthwash itself. - The practical takeaway is that oral care should match the patient, the rinse and the dental problem being treated.

What happened: - Dr. Jay Grossman, a celebrity dentist, said mouthwash is not inherently dangerous, but it is not something everyone needs to use several times a day. - Grossman said the type of rinse, how often it is used and a patient’s dental needs all matter. - The message comes amid online claims questioning whether mouthwash damages oral bacteria and overall health.

The details: - The mouth contains bacteria that can help or hurt oral health. - Some bacteria contribute to cavities, gum disease and bad breath. - Other bacteria help maintain a healthy oral environment. - Emerging research suggests prolonged, frequent use of powerful alcohol-based rinses may alter the oral microbiome. - Alcohol-based mouthwashes kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria, so dentists generally recommend using them sparingly rather than as a daily habit. - Chlorhexidine is a prescription-strength rinse available only through a dentist. - Chlorhexidine should be used only as directed and not as an over-the-counter daily substitute. - Occasional use of an over-the-counter rinse is unlikely to damage oral or overall health. - Repeated use of a strong antiseptic mouthwash without a specific dental reason may be unnecessary and counterproductive. - Grossman said mouthwash should never replace brushing and flossing. - He said the core home routine is brushing twice a day for two minutes, flossing at night and then using mouthwash after evening brushing and flossing to clear loosened food particles. - Mouthwash can help patients with gum disease, tooth decay, dry mouth, persistent bad breath or recent dental procedures. - Prescription-strength products should be used only as directed by a dental professional.

Between the lines: - Grossman is pushing a personalization-first message rather than a blanket warning against mouthwash. - The argument is that antiseptic rinses can help in targeted cases, but routine use without a dental reason may add little value. - The framing also reflects a broader shift in dentistry toward preserving the oral microbiome, not just killing bacteria.

What's next: - Patients with specific oral health issues may need to ask a dentist whether mouthwash is appropriate and how often to use it. - Grossman said the smartest approach is to ask which ingredients fit a person’s needs and whether a rinse is necessary at all. - For people using prescription rinses, dental guidance remains essential. - More information about Homeless Not Toothless is available here. - Dr. Grossman and Homeless Not Toothless say they have provided more than $11 million in pro bono dental care over more than 30 years to more than 154,000 veterans, foster children and underserved individuals. - The nonprofit says it operates with no salaries and single-digit administrative overhead. - Professor Jay Grossman is a former U.S. Navy Dental Officer and Lieutenant and serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the NYU College of Dentistry and a Clinical Assistant Professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry.

The bottom line: - Mouthwash can be helpful, but more is not always better. In Dr. Grossman’s view, informed use beats automatic swishing.