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Reviewed by Mouthwash is a common oral hygiene product that promotes oral health through its antiseptic properties. It contains various chemicals, such as chlorhexidine gluconate, hydrogen peroxide, and methyl salicylate, effectively maintaining oral hygiene.
However, these substances are toxic if ingested and are intended to be spit out after use. Despite this, there is a worrying trend of individuals, especially in places with limited access to alcoholic beverages like hospitals, prisons or military establishments, consuming mouthwash for alcohol intoxication. This behavior isn’t just seen in adults; minors are also posting on platforms like Reddit and Quora about how much mouthwash to get drunk.
Read on to learn about the severe health consequences of drinking mouthwash.
Table Of Contents:
What is Mouthwash?
Mouthwash is an oral hygiene product designed to improve oral health. It is a liquid solution that reduces oral bacteria, freshens breath, and prevents dental conditions such as plaque, gingivitis, and tooth decay. Listerine, for example, is one of the most famous ones.
Mouthwash often contains antiseptic agents like chlorhexidine gluconate, essential oils, fluoride, or alcohol (ethanol), which effectively kill harmful bacteria in the mouth. In many mouthwashes, ethanol concentrations typically range from 5% to 27% by volume.
Due to this alcohol content, some individuals resort to using mouthwash as a means of alcohol consumption, especially in situations where traditional alcoholic beverages are inaccessible or when seeking an alternative method of achieving intoxication.
Why People Drink Mouthwash?
Personal care products, including mouthwash, are widely available at countless convenience stores and supermarkets across America. They offer around-the-clock access to alcohol-containing products at a lower cost compared to traditional alcoholic beverages. This accessibility leads some individuals to consume mouthwash, such as Listerine, for its alcohol content.
Other common reasons for drinking mouthwash are:
- When alcohol is not readily available, such as in restricted environments or during certain hours
- Mouthwash is simpler to obtain and conceal from others, facilitating discreet alcohol consumption.
- Unlike alcoholic beverages, mouthwash does not have a distinctive alcohol smell.
- Individuals recovering from alcohol addiction may turn to drinking mouthwash as a way to hide a relapse.
- There are fewer restrictions on purchasing oral hygiene products than alcoholic beverages.
Research shows that between 10-15% of alcoholics in detox units have consumed non-beverage alcohol (NBA), such as mouthwash, with half of these patients being regular consumers. Addiction to NBA can develop, largely due to its easy accessibility.
In extreme cases, mouthwash consumption has led to poisoning, with reports of individuals attempting suicide by ingesting large quantities.
Does Listerine Have Alcohol?
Your favorite mouthwash may have a lot of alcohol in its ingredients. The traditional Listerine formula has around 24-27% of alcohol. In perspective, the alcohol content found in the most famous alcoholic beverages is 4-8% in beers, 14-16% in wine and 15% in other liquors.
Due to the Listerine alcohol content, a 30-60 second swish can trigger a falseย positive breathalyzer test without actually consuming an alcoholic beverage. Therefore, can you get drunk off mouthwash? Maybe, but paying the price of organ failure or even death.
Given that using alcohol-based mouthwashes can increase the risk of oral cancer, especially when combined with other carcinogenic risks like smoking or drinking, it is worth noting that there are now alcohol-free alternatives available, like Listerine Zero Alcohol.
What Happens If You Drink Mouthwash?
If you accidentally swallowed mouthwash, you may wonder: Will I die if I swallow mouthwash? An accidental small amount wonโt cause any life-threatening side effects. Yet, large amounts of mouthwash can send you to the hospital.
Side effects of Listerine mouthwash are:
- Alcohol poisoning
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Low blood pressure
- Low body temperature
- Low blood sugar
- Slurred speech
- Sore throat
- Changes in urination
- Impaired coordination
- Unconsciousness
- Blindness
- Multiple organ failure
- Increased risk of oral cancer
- Changes in heart rate
- Shallow and fast breathing
- Coma
- Death (rare)
Drinking Mouthwash Overdose Symptoms
The potential toxic chemicals found in mouthwash can cause a series of undesired symptoms. When someone ingests large amounts of mouthwash, it can lead to an overdose. Recognizing the symptoms of a mouthwash overdose is crucial for timely intervention and treatment.
Below is a list of the symptoms to be aware of:
- Stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, slurred speech
- Low blood pressure, changes in heartbeat
- Low blood sugar
- Fall in body temperature
- Dry mouth, sore throat, shallow breathing
- Loss of coordination
- Red and painful skin
- Euphoria
- Giddiness
- Blurred vision
- Gastric lavage with demulcents
- Complete loss of taste sensation
- Stupor, unconsciousness, coma
Get Help for Alcohol Use Disorder
It’s crucial for those recovering from alcoholism, along with their family and friends, to understand the triggers that could lead to a relapse.
A person in recovery might turn to mouthwash as a means to get drunk, which can become a new form of addiction. To prevent this, it’s important to limit access not only to traditional alcoholic beverages but also to oral hygiene products that could be misused.
For alcohol dependence recovery, you can:
- Call SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Find AA meetings near you
- Go to therapy to address underlying issues that contribute to your alcohol use.
- Discuss treatment options with your doctor (i.e., medically supervised withdrawal).
- Surround yourself with supportive people who understand your challenges and encourage your recovery.
- Be patient with yourself.
Can You Swallow Mouthwash? โ Final Thoughts
Mouthwash is specifically designed for oral rinsing. It aids in cleaning the mouth, freshening breath, and killing bacteria contributing to gingivitis.
It is not intended for ingestion, and is strongly advised against doing so due to toxic ingredients. Swallowing mouthwash can lead to alcohol poisoning, especially in children or individuals with a low tolerance for alcohol.
If you accidentally swallowed mouthwash in small amounts, it shouldnโt be a cause for alarm, but it is important to be cautious and prevent this from happening. Always use mouthwash according to the product instructions and supervise children to ensure they rinse and spit it out properly. If ingestion occurs, especially in large amounts, seek medical help promptly.
People Also Ask
Can you drink mouthwash?
Drinking mouthwash is strongly discouraged. It contains ingredients like ethanol and hydrogen peroxide that can be toxic and harmful if ingested, leading to health complications.
Is it bad to swallow mouthwash?
Yes, swallowing mouthwash can be harmful. It contains ingredients like alcohol and fluoride, which are toxic when ingested in large amounts, potentially leading to stomach irritation, nausea or more serious health issues.
What happens if you accidentally swallow mouthwash?
If you accidentally swallow a small amount of mouthwash, its ingredients, like alcohol and essential oils, might cause minor stomach discomfort or nausea. However, small quantities aren’t generally likely to cause serious harm to adults.
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Page Sources
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