Stand in the oral care aisle of any supermarket or drugstore, and you’ll behold a wide and bewildering array of mouthwashes. If you’ve been using the same brand for years, you may not be bewildered – you’ll reach for your old favorite out of habit. But how do you know it’s the best type for your specific needs? And if you’re just beginning to add mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine, how do you make an informed choice?
Basing your decision on TV commercials isn’t helpful. Not that such ads exaggerate claims, but 30-to-60-second spots don’t have enough time to cover all of the relevant facts. Fortunately, we do, so keep reading to learn what you need to know about mouthwash!
How Does Mouthwash Work?
Mouthwash – also known as mouth rinse or oral rinse – gets in between teeth, reaching areas that a toothbrush can’t, which helps reduce the risk of cavities and periodontal (gum) disease. Although fresh breath is the benefit most heavily promoted in advertising, it provides advantages that go beyond making one more socially acceptable. According to Mouth Healthy — an oral health information website presented by the American Dental Association (ADA) — mouthwash can provide the following benefits when used on a regular basis:
- Prevent or control tooth decay.
- Reduce plaque (a thin film of bacteria that forms on teeth).
- Prevent or reduce gingivitis (the early stage of periodontal disease).
- Reduce the speed that tartar (hardened plaque) forms on the teeth.
However, be aware that not even the best mouthwash is a substitute for brushing your teeth – preferably followed by flossing. The friction and motion of brushing and flossing are what help to remove bacteria, plaque, food debris and acid from the surface of your teeth. Mouthwash is most effective as a reinforcement. Our blog post – “Is Mouthwash Necessary?” – covers this topic in detail.
Moreover, the ADA does not recommend mouthwash for children younger than six years of age. They may accidentally swallow large amounts of the mouthwash, which can cause nausea, vomiting and intoxication (due to the alcohol content in some products). Check the label and follow specific precautions, instructions and age recommendations.
Choosing a Mouthwash Based on Your Needs
There are two main types of mouthwash: cosmetic and therapeutic. Cosmetic mouthwashes temporarily freshen breath and tend to have a more pleasant flavor, but do not contain active ingredients that combat plaque, tooth decay and periodontal disease.
As the name implies, therapeutic mouthwashes contain ingredients that can help reduce plaque, and work to prevent gingivitis and cavities. Some therapeutic mouthwashes can include antimicrobial and anti-tartar ingredients. Common ingredients in a therapeutic mouthwash include the following:
- Cetylpyridinium chloride: reduces bad breath.
- Essential oils: helps control plaque and gingivitis.
- Fluoride: prevents tooth decay.
- Peroxide: whitens teeth.
If you want to fight off bacteria, look for words on the label like antiplaque, antigingivitis, antibacterial or antimicrobial. Also check for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This shows that a company has provided data demonstrating that a product is safe and effective for the purpose claimed.
To find the right kind of mouthwash for your specific concern, we’ve compiled the following list:
Periodontal disease – As mentioned earlier, using a therapeutic mouthwash needs to be part of an oral hygiene routine that consists of regular brushing, flossing, and twice-yearly dental examinations and cleanings in order to help prevent periodontal disease. Choose a mouthwash that has antiplaque, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and/or anti-gingivitis ingredients listed on the label. If you’re at risk for or have gingivitis, your dentist may prescribe a mouthwash with chlorhexidine to kill bacteria while reducing gum inflammation and bleeding. Mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine are available by prescription only.
Tooth sensitivity – According to Colgate, mouthwashes for sensitive teeth desensitize teeth in two major ways: by applying solutions that anesthetize the delicate tubules in the underlying dentin area of the teeth, and by coating your tooth enamel with materials that reinforce it and make it stronger. These strengthening compounds also fill in these microscopic tubules that lead into the inner tooth pulp through the dentin that lies below tooth enamel.
Look for a mouthwash that lists potassium citrate, potassium nitrate, calcium phosphate, stannous fluoride and/or sodium fluoride in the active ingredients. Potassium citrate and potassium nitrate anesthetize the dentin and nerves within the teeth. Calcium phosphate, sodium fluoride and stannous fluoride strengthen the teeth, preventing irritants from reaching the dentin.
Results don’t occur overnight. It takes regular use to build up the anesthetizing effect and strengthen the tooth enamel.
Dry mouth – Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth is a condition in which the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. As Delta Dental notes, “Saliva moistens the mouth for comfort, lubricates as you chew and swallow, and neutralizes harmful acids. It also kills germs and prevents bad breath, defends against tooth decay and gum disease, protects enamel, and speeds up wound healing.”
If you have dry mouth, look for an alcohol-free mouthwash, as alcohol will exacerbate the symptoms. Most major brands have an alcohol-free option, which provides the same benefits as standard mouthwash products. Because many mouthwashes contain a high percentage of alcohol, those who are in alcohol recovery also should use an alcohol-free mouthwash to decrease the risk of a relapse.
Bad breath – For those who simply want to keep bad breath at bay, a cosmetic mouthwash should suffice. Of course, any therapeutic mouthwash will also do the job – in addition to its other benefits. Although most people use the terms “bad breath” and “halitosis” interchangeably, bad breath results from what you eat, or during sleep – when the saliva production that helps wash your teeth free of odor-causing bacteria decreases.
As Mouth Healthy explains, “Unlike ‘morning breath’ or a strong smell that lingers after a tuna sandwich, halitosis remains for an extended amount of time and may be a sign of something more serious.” Halitosis often is a symptom of an underlying general health issue, or an oral health issue, such as periodontal disease. If bad breath persists even after switching to a therapeutic mouthwash, schedule an appointment with your dentist to determine the cause. Our blog post — “What is Halitosis? Getting to the Bottom of Bad Breath” — covers this condition in greater detail.
As we mentioned at the beginning of this blog post, you may have been using your favorite mouthwash brand and formulation for many years. However, the ingredients that worked well when you were in your 20s may not be as effective now – or you may need additional protection. This is especially true if your go-to brand is a cosmetic mouthwash. The more birthdays we celebrate, the greater our risk of developing periodontal disease and tooth decay increases. Talk to your dentist about your mouthwash to see if it still serves your oral care needs.
When to Use Mouthwash to Achieve Optimum Benefits
When should you use mouthwash to ensure optimum effectiveness? As Colgate notes, “This is a good question, and it doesn’t have a simple answer. The scientific research is limited, and reputable organizations offer different recommendations.”
The Mayo Clinic recommends using mouthwash after brushing and flossing your teeth. However, the National Health Service (NHS) recommends avoiding mouthwash right after brushing, since this may wash away the fluoride from your toothpaste. Instead, the NHS recommends using mouthwash at a different time of day. However, there are mouthwashes that contain fluoride, so the wait may not be necessary. Also, a wait isn’t practical for many people — who use mouthwash in the morning while rushing to get ready for work or a busy day of errands, or just before bedtime.
The ADA states that you can use mouthwash before or after brushing, based on personal preference. That said, mouthwash manufacturers may recommend an order based on the product’s ingredients, so check the label on your product to be sure that you maximize its effects.
Vivid Smiles of Terre Haute, IN, recommends using mouthwash at lunch or after other meals and snacks when brushing isn’t possible. A quick rinse with mouthwash will help kill bacteria and remove food particles, preventing plaque and acid buildup in your mouth. Keep a small bottle at your office desk or workstation.
The Take-Home Message
Mouthwash can be a valuable part of your oral hygiene routine, as it plays an important role in reducing the bacteria that’s the source of most oral health issues. Knowing the type of mouthwash that is best suited for your specific needs will help you make the right choice. Should you still have questions, your partner in oral health – your dentist – can recommend a product with the appropriate ingredients.
At NK Family Dental, it is our mission to provide the highest quality and most compassionate oral care to our Chicago patients, including both dental and periodontal services. Our practice is trusted for advanced oral surgery procedures and comfortable root canal treatment.
Our team of experienced, dedicated dental professionals will help address your oral health concerns, and determine the best solution for you based on your individual situation. We strive to identify treatment options that fit your needs.
Our dental specialists include our general dentist, Dr. Nilofer Khan, our endodontist, Dr. Sabek, and our periodontist, Dr. Amir Danesh. Dr. Danesh is a board-certified periodontist and Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology. He has contributed to the publication of two books, as well as published over 20 papers in prestigious dental research journals.
We serve the neighborhoods of Logan Square, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Wicker Park with the dedication that’s earned us the reputation as the Best Dentist in Chicago!
We understand that the main concern you may have is cost, which is why we accept all major PPO plans for dental insurance and also offer our in-house dental plan. Please see our financing page for more information.
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