What You Need To Know About Mouthwash and Alcohol

Mouthwash has been recommended by dental professionals for many years. The touted benefits of an oral rinse include ingredients that wash away leftover food particles between the teeth, cut down on plaque buildup, prevent gum disease, and freshen breath. Some patients ask our friendly dentist at Oakhurst Dental Arts LLC
Paul Condello, DMD, FAGD
Jay Gohel, DDS about one of the inactive ingredients in mouthwash — alcohol, which is used as a preservative — and ask whether they might be better off considering a mouthwash that does not contain alcohol.

Here’s some of what we tell our patients about whether they can or should avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol. Although mouthwashes have been found to help alleviate dry mouth, the alcohol contained in many of the most popular brands may actually worsen the symptoms of this condition. That tingling sensation that users feel when they rinse with a mouthwash is triggered by alcohol, and while for some people that experience is refreshing, for others may find it uncomfortable or even burning. Some brands contain as much as 25 percent alcohol in their mouthwashes, further heightening this effect.

For patients who decide to choose an alcohol-free variety, be aware that some of the most popular brands make alcohol-free versions of their products. When choosing a “natural” brand of mouthwash, it is advisable to select one with fluoride as an ingredient. Fluoride is an important part of keeping your teeth strong and preventing tooth decay. Whichever type of mouth rinse you select, be aware of the dyes contained in the ingredients that may cause staining of the teeth.

At the dental office of Oakhurst Dental Arts LLC
Paul Condello, DMD, FAGD
Jay Gohel, DDS, we do more than examine and clean your teeth and gums, and perform an oral health screening. We also want our patients to be informed and active partners in protecting those precious pearly whites for years to come. Please don’t hesitate to contact our office today for an appointment!

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Professional & Friendly

Professional and friendly office staff. Did a wonderful job with my cleaning and very knowledgeable about all things dental health!

Kalynn K.

Knowledgeable

Dr Gohel is just as genuine and knowledgeable, my daughters cleaning & it was great! Her teeth looked amazing after!

Monica N.

Friendly Atmosphere

This is by far the best dental experience I’ve ever had. Highly recommend to anyone looking for top-notch dental care!

Loana-Noemi B.

Tara L Sedation Dentistry

I hadn’t been to a dentist in 12 years. I’m not proud of it, but the fear was real. Dr. Heering was the first dentist who didn’t dismiss it. He offered sedation and took time to explain everything before we even got started. I cried in the chair — not from pain, but because I finally felt safe. If dental anxiety is holding you back, this is the place to go. Don’t wait like I did.

Jorge R Implant Dentistry

I came in for a second opinion about getting implants. Dr. Gohel didn’t try to sell me anything. He showed me the X-rays, explained my options in plain English, and told me what he'd do if he were in my shoes. That kind of honesty is rare. I decided to move forward with the implants and haven’t looked back. Chewing feels normal again — like I got part of my life back.

Brielle O Extractions

My wisdom teeth were impacted and infected. I was in so much pain I couldn’t eat or sleep. Dr. Condello got me in the next morning and walked me through everything. The sedation worked like a charm, and he even called to check on me later that night. It wasn’t fun, obviously, but they turned what could’ve been a nightmare into a manageable, respectful experience.

Kelsey Zhang Veneers

I used to be the ‘closed-mouth smile’ girl in every picture. My front teeth were uneven and a little discolored, and I hated them. Dr. Gohel recommended veneers and showed me a mockup of what they could look like. The process was surprisingly easy, and now? I’m obsessed. My smile looks like it belongs in a toothpaste commercial. I wish I’d done this years ago.

Jordan & Maya Reese Family Dentistry

Our whole family goes here — me, my wife, and our two daughters. Dr. Heering is great at making kids feel comfortable without dumbing things down. My girls actually look forward to going. And for me, it’s the peace of mind knowing we’re all getting top-level care in one place. You don’t get that often.

Dan M Emergency Treatment

I cracked a molar on a piece of popcorn Friday night — sharp pain, couldn’t chew. Called the office Saturday morning and they told me to come right in. Dr. Condello patched it up quickly and got me a plan for a crown. They saved my weekend, honestly.

Erin Batista Digital Impressions

I’m a tech nerd, so I was fascinated watching the scanner make a 3D map of my mouth in real time. No trays, no mess, and I could see the image on the screen. Dr. Gohel used it to fit my crown and it was perfect on the first try. Dentistry has come a long way!

Marcus Hill Teeth Whitening

I’ve done whitening kits at home and always ended up with those sharp zaps of pain in my teeth. Not here. Dr. Heering used something gentler, and the results were still amazing. Zero sensitivity. 10/10.

Priyanka Sen Oral Cancer Screening

I came in for a regular cleaning, and Dr. Gohel offered a screening because I mentioned my dad had oral cancer. He found a small patch on the side of my tongue and referred me to a specialist just to be safe. Thankfully it was nothing, but I had no idea dentists even did that. It really changed how I see dental visits — it’s not just teeth.

Louis Franklin All-on-4®

I lost most of my teeth years ago due to poor dental habits and some health issues. I’d been hiding my mouth and relying on loose-fitting dentures. Dr. Condello suggested All-on-4, and I wasn’t sure I could afford it, but we worked out a plan. The surgery went smoothly, and now I feel like a new man. I eat better, smile more, and honestly feel more like myself again. It was worth every penny.

Michelle R

I’ve been coming here for over 15 years — even after moving 45 minutes away. That should tell you everything. The staff is warm, the dentists are brilliant, and they’ve kept my smile healthy through every stage of life.

Daniel & Carmen Soto

We started coming here when our son needed his first cleaning. Now he’s in college, and we’re all still patients. They remember your name, they ask about your life — it doesn’t feel like an appointment, it feels like catching up with people who genuinely care.

Sophie James

I used to dread dental visits. But this team is kind, patient, and actually fun to talk to. Everyone — from the front desk to the hygienists to the doctors — treats you like a human, not a number. That makes all the difference.

Renee Washington

My daughter never liked the dentist — until we switched here. Now she actually reminds me when it’s time to schedule her cleanings. That’s how good they are.

Joseph K

I appreciate how respectful they are of my time. I’ve never waited more than five minutes past my appointment, and they explain everything upfront. No hidden fees, no pressure, just quality care every time.

Linda P

Dr. Gohel has been my dentist since I was in my twenties. I’m in my fifties now. Through moves, pregnancies, and one very stubborn root canal, I’ve never once considered going elsewhere.

Hailey Tran

I was tired of hearing horror stories from my husband’s dentist, so I finally convinced him to come here. Now we both go, and he tells everyone he wishes he’d switched years ago.

Farah El-Amin

The office is spotless, the chairs are comfortable, and the tech they use is top-notch. You can tell they invest in quality, and it makes the whole experience feel more professional.

Megan Liu

Not just my name — they remember my dog’s name, my last vacation, the fact that I was nervous about getting a crown a year ago. It’s personal here. That matters.

Tom DeAngelo

From the moment you walk in, they make you feel at ease. The front desk is efficient, the hygienists are gentle but thorough, and the dentists are down-to-earth. It’s the kind of place you actually look forward to visiting.

Alisha T

Good vibes, skilled doctors, zero stress. I’ve sent five coworkers here and all of them had the same reaction: ‘Why didn’t I find this place sooner?’

Derrick Wallace

I came in years ago with a mess of dental problems and a lot of embarrassment. The team never judged, just helped me fix things one step at a time. I’m proud of my smile now — and they’re a big reason why.

Elise Romano

I had bounced around from dentist to dentist before finding this office. That was ten years ago. Now I can’t imagine going anywhere else. They earned my trust and loyalty.

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