For fresh breath and additional protection, mouthwashes are part of the care routine for many - but some branded products contain questionable substances.
Frankfurt - In addition to regular and thorough brushing and the use of dental floss, mouthwashes can also help prevent tooth decay and inflammation of the gums.
The ÖKO-TEST team of experts has now carefully examined the ingredients of the oral hygiene products.
In its conclusion to the series of tests, ÖKO-TEST initially shows the possible protective effect of mouthwash, but also makes it clear: "Mouthwashes are not a must".
Mouthwashes in comparison in the Öko-Test: The experts put it on the map
In the test, a total of 21 mouthwashes containing fluoride competed against each other. In addition to the ingredients of the liquid, the packaging was also an evaluation category in which manufacturers could score points with recycling materials, for example.
In addition, the information on the packaging was checked for completeness.
Five of the products tested were certified as natural cosmetics; all mouth rinses in comparison were not specifically written out for sensitive or particularly white teeth.
Basically, the products are only recommended from a certain age, according to ÖKO-TEST: "Mouthwashes are taboo for children under six years of age".
Öko-Test takes a close look at mouthwashes: amazing results for well-known brands
Alcohol that cannot be labeled as a problem for addicts, for example, aggressive surfactants or questionable preservatives - the solutions from supermarkets, drugstores and discounters have been examined in detail in the laboratory.
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, BHT, Propyl Paraben and PEG Compounds
were, for example, ingredients that led to a critical assessment.
The potential protective effect and the manufacturer's instructions for use and warning were assessed by two experts from the University of Frankfurt on the basis of the current study situation.
Overall, a majority of the flushes tested scored “very good” or “good”, including numerous products from store own brands, which in addition to the positive test rating are in some cases particularly cheap.
The five products that ÖKO-TEST rated most critically based on ingredients, packaging and information texts, however, came from relatively well-known dental care brands: Mouthwashes from Listerine, Meridol, Odol-Med, Oral-B and Parodontax were among the losers in the test .
Among other things, they contained all of the so-called PEG compounds that, according to the ÖKO-TEST, can make the skin more permeable to foreign substances.
(eu)
Öko-Test recently took a closer look at tomato strained and made a disturbing discovery.
With our brand new consumer newsletter you will always stay up to date on consumer information and product recalls.
