About Mouthwash and its Types
Using mouthwash also known as mouth rinse or oral rinse is a very important part of oral hygiene routine. Regular usage of mouthwash to clean your mouth not only gives freshness to your breath but also prevents cavities and tooth decay. Most dentists recommend using a mouthwash.
Mouthwashes can be of 2 kinds –
- Cosmetic – These mouthwashes give temporary benefit of reducing bad breath and giving a pleasant taste in the mouth but nothing to control or reduce plaque, cavities and gingivitis.
- Therapeutic – These mouthwashes help reduce and control plaque, gingivitis, bad breath, and tooth decay. They are available over the counter as well as by prescriptions.
Mouthwash Benefits and Risks
Using mouthwash regularly has many advantages. There are some disadvantages too. Would it not be great if you knew both the advantages and disadvantages of using mouthwashes before you actually started using it. So here we are with the advantages and disadvantages of oral rinses. Please note that children under the age of 6 should not be using mouthwash.
Advantages of Mouthwash - Fresh Breath – Almost everyone who hears the word mouthwash probably knows this that mouthwashes make your breath fresh. In fact this is the most commonly known advantage or benefit of a mouthwash. You must have seen this aspect of a mouthwash in all the advertisements whether it is about someone going on a date or trying to impress a new client in the office. Almost all commercials use this advantage of a mouthwash to sell their product. They make it more attractive for the viewers by offering different colors and flavors. We also agree that mouthwash does a better job of freshening breaths than a tooth paste. Instant fresh breath can give one instant confidence. All one has to do is gargle and rinse their mouth with a mouthwash of their choice. Mouthwashes contain astringent salt. It’s a type of deodorizer that can temporarily cover up bad breath. Some also contain odor neutralizers which attack the cause of bad breath.
- Helps get rid of food and debris stuck between the teeth – When we eat anything, some small bits and pieces of the food get stuck in between the teeth. Even brushing the teeth cannot remove these particles either because they are too small or buried deep between the teeth. This is where mouthwash aka oral rinses come handy. Most dentists advise using a mouthwash after brushing teeth for a cleaner mouth. But it does not matter whether you use the mouthwash before or after brushing and flossing. Some people advise using a mouthwash before brushing.
- Prevent build up of plaque – If you get a fuzzy feeling when you run your tongue over your teeth then that is plaque. It is sticky film of bacteria that covers the outer layer of the teeth. These bacteria produce acids when we eat or drink anything and these acids destroy the enamel of our teeth. This leads to cavities and lose of teeth. Plaque can also build up on gums. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar. Brushing and flossing your teeth removes this plaque but there are some hard to reach places which neither the brush nor floss can reach. Mouthwashes on the other hand can reach these places and get rid of plaque as soon as it forms preventing a buildup of plaque.
- Helps to Fight Cavities – Using a mouthwash as we said earlier prevents build up of plaque which in turns prevents formation of cavities. Mouthwashes contain a number of ingredients but some help reduce tooth decay and prevent cavities. Fluoride is one such ingredient. Mouthwashes also have antimicrobials which kill the bacteria that cause plaque, bad breath and gingivitis.
- Whitens the teeth – Some mouthwashes contain whiteners, such as peroxide. They can help against stains on your teeth. But for whitening mouthwashes to be really effective they must be a constant part of your oral care routine. And you may not see any significant change in the coloration of the teeth for a couple of months.
- Cure canker sores – Does painful sores in the mouth ring a bell? They are called canker sores. Minor canker sores don’t need medication or treatments and generally disappear in a week or two. But persistent and painful sores need an intervention from the vet. Some mouth rinses are medicated and available on doctor prescription which can reduce the inflammation and pain associated with canker sores. These may contain steroids so always check with your dentist before using any medicated mouth rinses. Regular use of mouthwashes can prevent gingivitis
from becoming more acute periodontal diseases.
Disadvantages of Mouthwash
While there are numerous advantages of using mouthwashes there can be a number of disadvantages too. Here are a few disadvantages – - Mouthwashes can be dangerous for children hence children below 6 years are advised not to use them. Even children between 6 to 12 years old must be supervised while using mouthwashes. Mouthwashes with high alcohol content can damage the mucous membranes in our mouth and these are also the reason why sometimes one gets a burning sensation when using a mouthwash. Normally that is no cause of concern but if you have canker or gum sores alcohol containing mouthwashes can irritate them so please take the advice of your dentist on which
mouthwash suits you the best. - Some mouthwashes have an ingredient called chlorhexidine gluconate which can stain teeth when it comes in contact with leftover food particles in the mouth. So read the ingredient list before buying an oral rinse.
- Many mouthwashes contain alcohol and they can make your teeth more sensitive. Alcohol can dissolve the mucous membranes in the mouth and disturb the oral micro biome or natural environment within the mouth making your teeth more vulnerable to sensitivity. As you can see mouthwashes have a lot of benefits but they also carry some risks. It is difficult to find a mouthwash that will be perfect for you. Look for the ADA seal while buying products.
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appointment today. Ensure Dental Care is the one of the best family dental clinics at Saginaw Texas.
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