Clipping Board » Illness Enters through Mouth ─ The information that has been made public is often just the tip of the iceberg...
March 13, 2013 [Liberty Times reporters Lin Jiaqi, Wei Yijia, Zhong Lihua, Lin Xinruo, Gao Jiahe report]
Using mouthwash for fresh breath? Be careful—improper use may lead to yellowing teeth or even cavities. The Consumers’ Foundation further discovered that "White People Mouthwash" contains 0.12% "Chlorhexidine Gluconate," a substance typically used as a disinfectant and preservative. Classified as a Category B over-the-counter drug, long-term use may cause teeth discoloration, oral mucosa damage, or altered taste.
**Disinfectant Content Exceeds Standards, No Permit Applied For**
Chen Zhiyi, publisher of *Consumer Reports*, stated that the foundation sampled 15 commercially available mouthwashes and found that "White People Mouthwash" contained Chlorhexidine Gluconate at levels between 0.1% and 0.2%. As a Category B drug, it should have applied for approval from the Department of Health. Dai Xueyong, Senior Technical Specialist of the DOH’s Drug Division, noted that preliminary checks showed "White People Mouthwash" lacked registration. Local authorities will verify whether its ingredients exceed standards; violations could incur fines of NT$30,000 to NT$150,000 under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act.
A representative from Jialian Industrial Co., the maker of White People Toothpaste, responded that stores would be notified to halt sales today, with a recall of nearly one million bottles starting next week. Consumers currently using the product may request refunds via the hotline: 0800535353.
**Six Mouthwashes Too Acidic, Risking Oral Mucosa Damage**
The foundation also found that six products—Oral-B Anti-Cavity Fluoride Mouthwash, Listerine Mouthwash (Cool Citrus), Quick Clean Mouthwash, Water God Mouthwash, Watsons Long-Lasting Protection Mouthwash, and RT-Mart’s store-brand mouthwash—had pH levels below 5, more acidic than the normal oral pH of 6.5. Chen Zhiyi warned that acidic environments promote cavities, and overly acidic mouthwashes may harm oral mucosa.
Dr. Huang Maoshuan, chair of the oral hygiene committee of the Taiwan Dental Association, explained that most mouthwashes are acidic for preservation. The *Chinese Pharmacopoeia* sets the pH standard for mouthwashes at 5.6 ± 0.2. However, unless users hold mouthwash in their mouths continuously for 24 hours, short-term use should not significantly affect oral mucosa or teeth.
**Dentists Recommend Toothbrushes and Floss for Cleaning**
Huang noted that clinically, mouthwash is only recommended for post-periodontal or oral surgery patients who cannot brush due to wounds. For general use, toothbrushes and floss are advised for oral hygiene. Dr. Fu E, head of the Periodontal Department at National Defense Medical Center, added that those with healthy teeth only need proper brushing.
RT-Mart stated that since there is no national pH standard for mouthwashes, their products will not be removed from shelves. Concerned consumers may request refunds within 30 days with a receipt. Watsons emphasized that its products carry clear usage instructions. Listerine had not responded by press time.
**DOH to Reference Global Standards for pH Regulation**
Deng Shufang, Technical Specialist of the DOH’s Medical Cosmetics Division, noted that the EU has no specific regulations for general mouthwashes, while ISO suggests a pH range of 3.0 to 10.5. Whether Taiwan will set standards depends on further review of international practices.
Source:
White Mouthwash with Drugs to Recall Millions Next Week
Using mouthwash for fresh breath? Be careful—improper use may lead to yellowing teeth or even cavities. The Consumers’ Foundation further discovered that "White People Mouthwash" contains 0.12% "Chlorhexidine Gluconate," a substance typically used as a disinfectant and preservative. Classified as a Category B over-the-counter drug, long-term use may cause teeth discoloration, oral mucosa damage, or altered taste.
**Disinfectant Content Exceeds Standards, No Permit Applied For**
Chen Zhiyi, publisher of *Consumer Reports*, stated that the foundation sampled 15 commercially available mouthwashes and found that "White People Mouthwash" contained Chlorhexidine Gluconate at levels between 0.1% and 0.2%. As a Category B drug, it should have applied for approval from the Department of Health. Dai Xueyong, Senior Technical Specialist of the DOH’s Drug Division, noted that preliminary checks showed "White People Mouthwash" lacked registration. Local authorities will verify whether its ingredients exceed standards; violations could incur fines of NT$30,000 to NT$150,000 under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act.
A representative from Jialian Industrial Co., the maker of White People Toothpaste, responded that stores would be notified to halt sales today, with a recall of nearly one million bottles starting next week. Consumers currently using the product may request refunds via the hotline: 0800535353.
**Six Mouthwashes Too Acidic, Risking Oral Mucosa Damage**
The foundation also found that six products—Oral-B Anti-Cavity Fluoride Mouthwash, Listerine Mouthwash (Cool Citrus), Quick Clean Mouthwash, Water God Mouthwash, Watsons Long-Lasting Protection Mouthwash, and RT-Mart’s store-brand mouthwash—had pH levels below 5, more acidic than the normal oral pH of 6.5. Chen Zhiyi warned that acidic environments promote cavities, and overly acidic mouthwashes may harm oral mucosa.
Dr. Huang Maoshuan, chair of the oral hygiene committee of the Taiwan Dental Association, explained that most mouthwashes are acidic for preservation. The *Chinese Pharmacopoeia* sets the pH standard for mouthwashes at 5.6 ± 0.2. However, unless users hold mouthwash in their mouths continuously for 24 hours, short-term use should not significantly affect oral mucosa or teeth.
**Dentists Recommend Toothbrushes and Floss for Cleaning**
Huang noted that clinically, mouthwash is only recommended for post-periodontal or oral surgery patients who cannot brush due to wounds. For general use, toothbrushes and floss are advised for oral hygiene. Dr. Fu E, head of the Periodontal Department at National Defense Medical Center, added that those with healthy teeth only need proper brushing.
RT-Mart stated that since there is no national pH standard for mouthwashes, their products will not be removed from shelves. Concerned consumers may request refunds within 30 days with a receipt. Watsons emphasized that its products carry clear usage instructions. Listerine had not responded by press time.
**DOH to Reference Global Standards for pH Regulation**
Deng Shufang, Technical Specialist of the DOH’s Medical Cosmetics Division, noted that the EU has no specific regulations for general mouthwashes, while ISO suggests a pH range of 3.0 to 10.5. Whether Taiwan will set standards depends on further review of international practices.
Source: