Mouthwash can cause gastrointestinal upset, oral burns, alcohol poisoning, and organ damage. Drinking mouthwash can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and can even lead to loss of consciousness. Treatment for mouthwash poisoning may include activated charcoal or medical procedures. Children are particularly sensitive to the effects of mouthwash and should be kept away from it. If a child accidentally drinks mouthwash, call the poison control center and 911. Inducing vomiting is generally not recommended.
The dangers of consuming mouthwash include gastrointestinal upset, oral burns, and alcohol poisoning. Mouthwash is used to remove bacteria and odor from the mouth and is typically gargled or swished around the mouth before the user spits it out. Many mouthwashes have a high alcohol content, and some brands contain hydrogen peroxide and wood alcohol, also known as wood alcohol. When consumed in certain quantities, wood 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. Also, because some brands of mouthwash contain hydrogen peroxide, consuming mouthwash can cause burns and scarring of the throat and mouth. The chemicals in mouthwash are acidic in nature and are known to cause irritation and tissue damage.
A serious consequence of consuming mouthwash is loss of consciousness. Since many mouthwashes are high in alcohol, drinking a mouthwash can cause profound drowsiness, which can progress to unconsciousness in extreme situations. Other risks of consuming mouthwash include low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and rapid heart rate. Signs of mouthwash overdose can mimic those of intoxication and can include slurred speech, trouble walking, and delayed reflexes.
Treatment for drinking mouthwash may include the administration of activated charcoal or laxatives. Doctors may wash out the stomach with a tube that was passed through the mouth, order kidney dialysis, or insert a breathing tube. The prognosis for mouthwash poisoning depends on how quickly a patient gets to the hospital. If the kidneys or liver have been affected, the prognosis can be poor, as it could be for those with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, breathing problems and heart conditions.
Children are particularly sensitive to the effects of mouthwash and bottles should always be kept in an inaccessible area, protected with child resistant caps. If a child accidentally swallows or drinks mouthwash, notify the local poison control center and call 911. Experts sometimes recommend inducing vomiting in cases of poisoning, but highly caustic or acidic substances can cause more tissue damage when they recur from vomiting. Mouthwash can cause further injury to the throat and mouth if vomited, so it is generally not recommended.
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