Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Dangers of Drinking Mouthwash?

Madeleine A.
Madeleine A.

The dangers of drinking mouthwash include gastrointestinal upset, oral burns, and alcohol poisoning. Mouthwash is used to eliminate bacteria and odors from the mouth and is typically gargled or swished around the mouth before the user spits it out. Many mouthwashes are high in alcohol content and certain brands contain hydrogen peroxide and wood alcohol, which is also known as methyl alcohol. If consumed in certain amounts, methyl alcohol can cause organ damage and blindness.

Drinking mouthwash can also cause severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This can cause extreme dehydration and may require hospitalization for intravenous fluid and electrolyte replacement. In addition, since certain mouthwash brands contain hydrogen peroxide, consuming mouthwash can cause burns and scarring of the throat and mouth. The chemicals in mouthwash are acidic in nature and have been known to cause irritation and tissue damage.

Mouthwash.
Mouthwash.

A severe consequence of drinking mouthwash is losing consciousness. Since many mouthwashes are high in alcohol content, drinking mouthwash can cause profound sleepiness, which may progress to unconsciousness in extreme situations. Other hazards of consuming mouthwash include low blood pressure, breathing difficulties, and rapid heart beat. Signs of mouthwash overdose can mimic those of intoxication and may include slurred speech, difficulty walking, and delayed reflexes.

Kidney dialysis may be ordered to treat mouthwash ingestion.
Kidney dialysis may be ordered to treat mouthwash ingestion.

Treatment for drinking mouthwash may include the administration of activated charcoal or laxatives. Doctors may wash out the stomach with a tube that has been passed through the mouth, order kidney dialysis, or insert a breathing tube. Prognosis in cases of mouthwash poisoning depends on how quickly a patient gets to the hospital. If the kidneys or liver have been affected, the prognosis may be poor, as it might for those who have pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, respiratory problems, and cardiac conditions.

Drinking mouthwash may lead to severe nausea and vomiting.
Drinking mouthwash may lead to severe nausea and vomiting.

Children are especially susceptible to the effects of mouthwash, and bottles should always be kept in an inaccessible area, secured with child-proof caps. If a child accidentally swallows or drinks mouthwash, the local poison control center can be notified and emergency medical services should be called. Experts sometimes recommend inducing vomiting in poisoning cases, but substances that are very caustic or acidic may do more damage to the tissues when they come back up as a result of vomiting. Mouthwash can cause further injury to the throat and mouth if vomited, so it is generally not recommended.

Discussion Comments

anon991412

Once you start, it is hard to stop.

Markerrag
Ugh. I'd think the reaction that follows drinking mouthwash would be enough to deter anyone from guzzling the stuff. It burns like crazy and upsets the stomach something fierce.

I do believe swallowing a little mouthwash is OK, but downing a lot of it is simply unpleasant.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Mouthwash.
      By: design56
      Mouthwash.
    • Kidney dialysis may be ordered to treat mouthwash ingestion.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Kidney dialysis may be ordered to treat mouthwash ingestion.
    • Drinking mouthwash may lead to severe nausea and vomiting.
      By: Tom Wang
      Drinking mouthwash may lead to severe nausea and vomiting.
    • Drinking mouthwash can cause severe dehydration that may require hospitalization and intravenous fluid and electrolyte replacement.
      By: ShpilbergStudios
      Drinking mouthwash can cause severe dehydration that may require hospitalization and intravenous fluid and electrolyte replacement.
    • A severe consequence of drinking mouthwash is losing consciousness.
      By: Igor Normann
      A severe consequence of drinking mouthwash is losing consciousness.
    • Mouthwash is typically gargled, but should not be swallowed.
      By: Daria Filiminova
      Mouthwash is typically gargled, but should not be swallowed.