Jobs

Science

Gin as mouthwash

If I use Gin as a mouthwash will it break down in to sugars or acids that will rot my teeth or actually feed bacteria?
It numbs my dodgy tooth a treat!

BillyBB Mon 29/09/08 02:32

<< Previous

Next >>

Subscribe to question

Post an Answer

theprof
Mon 29/09/08
21:25

No, gin will not break down into sugars or acids. Neat spirits, usually 40% or 37.5% ethyl alcohol can be regarded as bactericidal (causing death of bacteria) almost immediately upon contact. The vast majority of bacteria succumb within seconds.

In support of this, you need only think of Listerine, probably one of the most marketed and successful mouthwashes in the western hemisphere. Listerine contains around 27% ethyl alcohol the last time I looked and it's effectiveness in killing bacteria is down to this high concentration of alcohol. Gin as I said above, contains even more.

All the same, you should really get along to a dentist if the tooth is nagging you that much.

BillyBB
Tue 30/09/08
01:07

Question Author

Thanks Prof.
I'm saving up for the Dentist, in case I ever find one.

peanut273
Thurs 23/10/08
03:01

theprof is right.

ethanol kills germs & bacteria...so gin will kill bacteria.

Try an emergency dentist in your area...google it...\if you have an infection it may get worse and infect other areas of your teeth and gums!
x

Post an Answer

Submit the above question and answers

add to del.icio.us	add to digg	add to furl
add to reddit	add to Technorati	add to Blinklist
add to StumbleUpon	add to squidoo	add to ma.gnolia
add to Cocomment	add to Netscape	add to Fark