A new year brings fresh starts. What if it could also bring fresh(er) breath? It totally can if you find the right mouthwash to fit your needs. Using mouthwash or mouth rinse is an important step of a proper oral health care regime. Much like flossing, swishing mouthwash can help reach areas not easily accessed by a toothbrush.
The Magic Potion
The primary purpose of mouthwash is to help reduce the risk of bad breath, cavities, dry mouth, gum disease, and pain from oral sores in addition to minimizing the amount of plaque and tartar. Some mouthwash is even catered to particular conditions such as dry mouth.
So, what’s the magic potion in mouthwash? It’s a combination of bacteria-fighting ingredients such as zinc gluconate, quaternary ammonium compounds, and cetylpyridinium chlorideas well as essential oils such as eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, and thymol. Some mouthwash also contains fluoride or peroxide.
There are two types of mouthwash – cosmetic and therapeutic. Cosmetic mouthwash temporarily controls or reduces bad breath and leaves you with that fresh feel, while therapeutic mouthwash contains active ingredients with antimicrobials that get to the root of the problem by killing bacteria and helping treat bad breath, cavities, gingivitis, and plaque. Certain therapeutic mouth rinses are prescription only.
Keep in mind that children under six years old should avoid using mouthwash due to accidental ingestion.
The Peroxide Hype
Hydrogen peroxide is an anesthetic popular for cleaning cuts, but it can be used for anything from sanitizing the dishwasher to scrubbing grout. Its versatility makes it a staple in most households. Peroxide has even become a popular choice for whitening teeth. It can be added to certain oral care products like bleaching kits and mouth rinses.
Some home remedy fans might disagree, but from a dental professional standpoint, it’s not recommended that you take a swig out of the peroxide bottle. The reason being that peroxide (when not used correctly) can cause serious damage to tooth enamel. Other side effects include tooth and gum sensitivity as well as inflamed gums. If swallowed, peroxide can cause some brutal tummy troubles.
Which mouthwash is the best?
When choosing a mouthwash look for one with the ADA seal of approval. There are a many over-the-counter mouth rinses suited to various dental needs.
According to a recent product review from Business Insider, these are some of the top-rated mouth rinses.
Best Overall: Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash
Best for Fresh Breath: Crest Scope Outlast Mouthwash
Best Gentle Mouthwash: CloSYS Gentle Mint Mouthwash
Best Natural Mouthwash: Uncle Harry’s Natural Products Magical Mouthwash
Best Anticavity Mouthwash: ACT Anticavity Fluoride Rinse Mouth
If you have any questions or concerns regarding mouthwash, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.