A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association says a swig of mouthwash will send Breathalyzer tests soaring.
That's because most mouthwashes contain alcohol - some nearly 27 percent alcohol. Using mouthwash or breath spray doesn't really cover up the smell of alcohol anyway, says Sgt. Steve Benetti of the California Highway Patrol.Dr. Jack Modell of the University of Alabama, Birmingham, found people who gargle with Listerine will register over the legal limit on a Breathalyzer test for about six minutes.
Using the mouthwash at home is probably OK, though, since the alcohol from the mouthwash dissipates from the mouth quickly.
The maker of an alcohol-free mouthwash is quick to point out that few consumers realize just how much alcohol is in everyday mouthwashes.