Dentyl mouthwash is a con, isn't it?

Factual Questions
1

It’s a mouthwash that comprises two different coloured liquids that don’t mix - you have to shake it vigorously before using it to temporarily emulsify the mixture, then use it as normal.

One of the key selling points is that, when you spit it out, you can supposedly see chunks of stuff it’s removed from your mouth.

And you can see chunks alright, but I’m pretty much convinced they’re just gelatinous chunks of curdled mouthwash, possibly from reaction with saliva or something. You can repeat the process over and over again and you get just as many chunks in the sink the second, third, tenth time, etc.

I call bullshit. I mean, it seems to be as effective as any other mouthwash - it’s strongly minty and I expect it’s antiseptic and cleansing, etc, but still, I think the claim that what you’re seeing in the sink is in some way debris that has been removed from your teeth must be false.

So… does anyone know what reaction is going on here to create these clots of mouthwash?

2

According to one of their technical papers (PDF file), it’s basically an oil-and-water combo, but with the water phase including cetylpyridinium chloride, described as “an antibacterial agent which also promotes the adhesion of microorganisms to oil droplets”. Dunno what the “crud” you spit into the sink is, but my guess would be blobs of congealed olive oil.

They claim that the combo in testing was 80% effective against the sulfides of halitosis, as opposed to the (claimed) 30% of regular mouthwash.

More papers here.

3

I won’t use a mouthwash without the ADA approval seal. Usually this means the wash contains an amount of alcohol, which I understand is the antiseptic ingredient. Never heard of Dentyl though… What are the ingredients?

4

I just started using this stuff myself. I have had the same suspicions regarding the detritus you see, but even if they are a con, I am impressed with the effectiveness of the mouthwash.

5

I don’t know if it works or not, having never heard of it, but my God that sounds disgusting.

6

Sounds a bit like mixing Baileys and lemon juice and swilling it around in your mouth. Charming.

7

Ahh, the good ol’ “Cement Mixer”.

8

Sounds like it follows the same idea as ear candling. A miracle technique “removes” gobs of gross things that you never knew you had through tricks of chemistry.

9

Indeed - or colon purges or psychic surgery for that matter.

10

I imagine your choices would be pretty limited at Tesco, Boots, or Sainsbury’s, then. :smiley:

11

No, don’t know what reaction, but Lavoris does the same type thing!