Why Does Mouthwash Burn?

Summary 

• It is common for mouthwash to burn your mouth. However, it is not a cause for concern
• Ingredients like alcohol, chlorhexidine, and menthol are often found in mouthwash, which causes the burning sensation
• There are plenty of alternative mouth rinses to use instead of formulas that burn
• It is beneficial to use mouthwash in your daily routine

Should Mouthwash Burn?

Mouthwash is also known as an oral rinse. 

A mouthwash or oral rinse is a liquid-based dental hygiene product that:

• Cleans your mouth
• Freshens breath
• Eliminates bacteria on your tongue and between your teeth

Many types of mouthwash advertise a tingling sensation as a sign that the product is working. 

However, for many people, using mouthwash does not feel refreshing. Instead, it may burn the mouth and feel painful.

It is possible to use oral rinse products as directed and still experience a painful stinging or burning sensation. In most cases, this does not mean that you used the product incorrectly or need to stop using it.

Not all mouthwashes cause burning. However, your sensitivity to certain ingredients may make it challenging to find a rinse that does not cause burning.

Some mouthwashes are made without alcohol. Alcohol-free mouthwashes are typically more gentle on your tongue, mouth, and gums.

Most of the leading mouth rinse brands produce alcohol-free formulas. 

If you switch to an alcohol-free mouthwash, but you still experience burning, you may be sensitive to one of the other active ingredients in the rinse. You may need to sample a few different formulas before you find a rinse that you like.

The different types of mouthwash include:

• Containing alcohol
• Alcohol-free
• Fluoride
• Cosmetic
• Prescription

3 Reasons Why Your Mouthwash Burns

There are several reasons why your mouthwash may burn:

1. Alcohol

Alcohol contains antiseptic properties. It is the main ingredient in many mouthwash formulas. Alcohol kills bacteria and sanitizes your mouth.⁴

However, pure alcohol alone is not enough to kill bacteria, leading to bad breath and gingivitis. Alcohol is only one of the active ingredients in a mouth rinse.

Some oral rinses contain over 25% alcohol. When you use an oral rinse with alcohol, you may notice that the burning feeling centralizes on your tongue.

The taste buds on your tongue may be more sensitive to the taste and feel of alcohol than other areas in your mouth.

2. Chlorhexidine

Another common mouthwash ingredient is chlorhexidine. This ingredient may reduce plaque and help fight gingivitis.¹  

Chlorhexidine may also result in a burning or tingling sensation.

The Food and Drug Administration has documented an uncommon but severe allergy that some people have to chlorhexidine.²  

3. Menthol 

Some people are sensitive to menthol. This ingredient is derived from mint or peppermint. 

Many people experience severe burning instead of a pleasant tingling when they use menthol mouthwash.

Other ingredients typically included in mouthwash may cause a burning sensation. These include:

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Essential oils including peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and thyme oil

What to Do if a Mouthwash is Burning Your Mouth 

If the mouthwash you are using causes ongoing burning symptoms or discomfort, stop use. You can also dilute it with water to reduce any burning.

Using a mouthwash that you are sensitive to can lead to a breakdown in some of the tissue in your mouth. This may contribute to ulcers.

Best ‘Burn-Free’ Mouthwash Alternatives

There are many natural alternative types of mouthwash advertised as burn-free. Here are some of the top-rated options available on Amazon.

Listerine Naturals Antiseptic Mouthwash

Best Overall Floss (Editor’s Choice)

Listerine is a popular mouthwash brand. This Naturals Antiseptic Mouthwash provides a natural way to reduce bad breath and remove plaque and bacteria. The formula is budget-friendly. 

The brand labels the mouthwash ‘99 percent natural.’ However, one con is that the mouthwash contains some alcohol. This may make the formula unsuitable for some people.

Contains the active ingredients:

• ​Peppermint
• Eucalyptus
• Thyme 

Hello Naturally Healthy Antigingivitis Mouthwash

Best Overall: Runner Up

This natural mouthwash is available on Amazon and at your local drugstore. It is both fluoride and alcohol-free. It also uses aloe vera, which may cut down on plaque and bacteria.

The mouthwash is available in three different flavors:

• Mint 
• Watermelon
• Peppermint (menthol-based)

Tom’s of Maine Refreshing Mint Sea Salt Mouthwash

Best on a Budget

The Tom’s of Maine Refreshing Mint Sea Salt Mouthwash comes in a six-pack. This is ideal if you want to stock up on natural mouthwash.

The brand sells its alcohol-free mouthwash formulas in budget-friendly bulk packs. This provides you with enough mouthwash to last for three to four months.

The formula uses a combination of sea salt and aloe vera to clean your mouth and control plaque. It also contains mint to freshen your breath.

This mouthwash contains the active ingredients:

• Sea salt
• Aloe vera

Is Mouthwash Actually Good For Your Teeth? 

Using mouthwash as part of your daily oral hygiene routine is essential. 

Different types of mouthwash deliver various benefits. This can be helpful if you are trying to address a particular oral hygiene issue.

The benefits of using mouthwash include:

• Mouthwash can whiten your teeth. Rinses designed to whiten teeth often contain bleaching or whitening ingredients like hydrogen peroxide. Some mouthwashes contain other ingredients like coconut oil or activated charcoal.
• Mouthwash can strengthen tooth enamel. Rinses designed to prevent cavities usually contain fluoride. 
• Mouthwash can help prevent gum disease. Mouth rinses that fight bacteria contributing to plaque and gingivitis usually contain essential oils like menthol, thymol, or eucalyptol.
• Mouthwash can reduce bacteria that cause bad breath. Formulas that target foul odor kill bacteria that cause halitosis. This form of oral rinse is usually alcohol-based.

There are also therapeutic mouthwashes available by prescription. Chlorhexidine mouthwash is sometimes prescribed to treat the symptoms of gingivitis. 

Different mouthwashes may be prescribed to:

• Clean a dry socket following tooth extraction
• Manage side effects of cancer treatments, including oral mucositis 
• Encourage saliva production if you have dry mouth

Mouthwash should not be ingested in high amounts, especially by children. The American Dental Association does not recommend mouthwash for children under the age of 6.³

If you have any concerns about using a mouthwash formulation, be sure to speak with a doctor or dentist.