For that fresh bleach taste! (Tesco Extra Care 6 In 1 Mouthwash)

Member Name: jickjock

Product:	Tesco Extra Care 6 In 1 Mouthwash
Date:	27/08/09 (41 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: 6 in 1 action

Disadvantages: Disgusting taste!

Introduction

I purchased this 6 months ago as it was on offer in Tesco and I thought it was worth a try. I've used different mouthwashes in the past and been happy with their ability to freshen your breath but not regularly enough to notice any other beneficial effect. The bottle boasts that this mouthwash has a 6 in 1 action, which includes:
1. Freshen Breath.
2. Protect against plaque.
3. Maintain healthy gums.
4. Fight bacteria.
5. Strengthen teeth and protect against decay.
6. Reduce tartar and keep teeth naturally white.
Therefore I purchased this in the mind to continually use it to see if the 6 in 1 action would be beneficial to my oral hygiene above and beyond using general toothpaste and brushing twice a day.

Product Description

The mouthwash comes in a simple clear 500ml plastic bottle which has been ergonomically shaped for easy handling. It has a safety top made of grey plastic, which requires you to squeeze the pads on either side of the lid whilst you turn. This is to protect children, as this product is unsuitable for children under 12years of age. On the front of the bottle is the products label taking up 70% of the bottles front face. The label is silver in colour with grey and purple writing and detail. On the reverse of the bottle is a white label which has all the necessary information including a brief summary of the product, directions for use, warnings against misuse, a list of ingredients, the barcode, use by date of 12months and contact details for the manufacturer. The mouthwash is a pale purple in colour and is like water in consistency.

Verdict

The mouthwash tastes like most mouthwashes whilst in your mouth, this particular one is mint flavoured and you can taste this slightly. Once you have removed the mouthwash from your mouth the story is completely different. The mouthwash leaves a rather unpleasant taste in your mouth afterwards like you've just drank bleach or some form of chemical. Although your mouth feels freshened, because of the alcohol in the mouthwash, the taste is awful. You feel like you need to brush your teeth again to get rid of the flavour and the smell of your breath afterwards is not very minty but rather of a chemically, dentist smell.

As the taste of the mouthwash was so unpleasant I haven't been able to use the mouthwash frequently to comment on its ability to improve oral hygiene. Consequently the bottle has sat in my bathroom cabinet for the remainder of it's time in my house. The premise of the mouthwash is excellent, working alongside brushing your teeth, not as a substitute, to help improve your oral hygiene. The mouthwash can be purchased at Tesco for £1.99 for 500ml. But for a similar price there are a number of different branded mouthwashes available to purchase. Currently there is an Aquafresh mouthwash on offer for £1.56 until 8th September.

Summary

This mouthwash is not worth the money as the product leaves you with a very unpleasant taste in your mouth making you feel like you need to brush your teeth all over again. If you can stand the taste I'm sure that this product will help to improve oral hygiene but I am dubious to its ability to have all the effects listed above. I think that this is one of those times when Tesco have got it disastrously wrong.

Summary: No competition for pre-existing mouthwashes