Mouthwash warning

[Cheryl]

Last night I experienced complete loss of taste for the first time.   It was strange, because I could still smell.  After my initial panic, I started googling for possible causes (other than Sjogrens.)

Upon the advice of my dental hygienist, I have recently been using non-alcohol versions of mouthwashes like Listerine, that kill germs.  My latest purchase was Crest Pro Health Complete non-alcohol rinse, and I have been using it twice a day for a couple of days.  In my computer search, I found that loss of taste sensation has been reported by a lot of people who use Crest Pro Health Complete.   The ingredient responsible is called CPC, which stands for cetylpyridinium chloride. I also became aware that other brands contain that ingredient.

I'm not writing this to bash one brand; I want to warn all of you to avoid oral products that contain cetylpyridinium chloride.   The last thing we need is a dental product that damages taste buds!   It is incomprehensible to me that a company could be aware of this kind of side effect and still promote their product for oral health.  I have scrutinized the bottle label, and there is no warning about loss of taste.

From what I have read, the loss isn't permanent.  I can already tell mine is recovering.  My tongue still feels numb, as if I have burned it, but I'm sensing some taste today.  Here's hoping that my lesson learned does not have permanent consequences! 

At any rate, I hope you'll all put a note (I know that you forget, as I do!) in the bathroom cabinet, so that you will remember to check ingredients on mouthwash labels.  Don't let this happen to you! 

[Scottietottie]

Thanks for the heads up. I don't usually use mouthwash but have been recently because a sore has developed on my gum at the base of two teeth. I will watch what I use!

[Carebear]

That's good information, Cheryl.  Thank you for passing it on.