Having worked in the DUI and ignition interlock industry for more than two and a half decades, I have learned that mouthwash causes more problems than most people realize. Drivers ask us all the time if mouthwash can get them drunk. The real issue is not just whether it can intoxicate someone. The real problem is how mouthwash affects breath tests and ignition interlock devices. Mouthwash has a very high alcohol content and most people do not understand how strong it is. It is one of the top reasons people fail their ignition interlock test in the morning.
My goal here is to explain the truth about mouthwash, why it matters for drivers, and what you should know before using it.
Can Mouthwash Get You Drunk
Most mouthwash brands contain ethanol which is the same type of alcohol that is found in beer and other drinks. Some mouthwash products contain 20 percent alcohol or more which is stronger than many alcoholic beverages. If someone drinks mouthwash on purpose the alcohol can enter the bloodstream and cause intoxication. That does not mean it is safe. Mouthwash contains ingredients that are not meant to be swallowed and they can make you sick or cause other health issues.
The truth is yes, mouthwash can get you drunk if you drink enough of it. The more important point is that mouthwash is not designed for drinking and misusing it can be dangerous.
Why Drivers Need To Be Careful With Mouthwash
Mouthwash can cause problems even if you do not swallow it. When you rinse with it, alcohol stays in your mouth and on your breath for several minutes. If you take a breath test during that time, the reading can spike. The ignition interlock device will detect the alcohol and record a violation. This does not mean you were drinking. It only means the device picked up the leftover alcohol from the rinse.
I see this happen often. People use mouthwash before going to work, then get into their car and fail the interlock test. They panic because they know they have not had anything to drink. The problem is that mouthwash alcohol is strong and it reads the same as drinking alcohol on a breath test. Think of it like this, if you just rinsed your mouth with whiskey, vodka or wine and spit it out, you wouldn’t be intoxicated in the slightest but there’s no chance you’d pass a test and you’d understand that, treat mouthwash the same.
How Long Mouthwash Stays On Your Breath
The alcohol from mouthwash does not stay in your system long. But it does stay in your mouth longer than you’d think. That is what causes the false high reading. Most people are fine after waiting a few minutes and rinsing with water. The problem is that many drivers do not know this and they test too soon which leads to a failed start. Best practice is to always rinse your mouth with water before any breath test.
Why People Misuse Mouthwash
Some people who struggle with alcohol misuse drink mouthwash because it is easy to find. The alcohol level can be high and it is cheap. This is dangerous and can lead to health problems because mouthwash ingredients are not meant to be swallowed.
A Simple Way To Think About Mouthwash And Driving
- Mouthwash contains real alcohol
- It can get you drunk if you drink it
- Leftover mouthwash alcohol can cause a false positive on a breath test
- It is one of the most common reasons people fail an ignition interlocks
- Waiting a few minutes and rinsing with water can help
- Mouthwash is safe when used as directed but should never be swallowed
Closing Thoughts
Mouthwash is a helpful product when you use it correctly. The problem is that many people do not realize how strong it is or how it can affect a breath test. As someone who has spent years helping drivers understand their ignition interlock requirements, I have seen mouthwash cause stress and confusion that could have been avoided. When you understand how mouthwash works and how sensitive breath testing devices can be, you can make better choices and avoid unnecessary violations.
Sources
Poison Control
Zinnia Health
New Mouth Dental Research
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
California Office of Traffic Safety