All About Mouthwash

A mouth rinse or mouthwash can be a good addition to your oral hygiene routine. It can help freshen breath and also protect your teeth against bacteria and plaque build-up.

A mouthwash can either be cosmetic or therapeutic.

1. A cosmetic mouthwash can provide a temporary solution to bad breath, but it doesn’t help address dental health issues.
2. A therapeutic mouthwash, on the other hand, is specifically formulated to kill bacteria and help keep dental problems at bay.

There are therapeutic mouthwashes that require a prescription, but there are also those that you can purchase over-the-counter.

It’s best to discuss with your dentist the right option for your needs or refer to products with a seal of approval from the Canadian Dental Association.

Proper Use of Mouthwash

• Read the label when using mouthwash. See if it needs to be diluted. Some mouthwash brands are concentrated and you need to dilute them first with water.

• Swish vigorously. Swish properly so you can make the most of the mouthwash. Be sure to follow the recommended amount and duration for rinsing.

• Don’t swallow the mouth rinse. Mouthwash ingredients can be toxic when consumed in large amounts. It isn't recommended for children below the age of 6 to use a mouthwash. If your dentist advised the use of mouthwash for your children, supervise to ensure that they don’t swallow it or use excessive amounts.

• Wait before eating or drinking. To make the most of the fluoride in your mouthwash, let it sit on your mouth for at least 30 minutes. Avoid drinking, smoking, or eating right after rinsing.

• Think of it as a part of your dental care routine. Even if your dentist recommended a specific mouthwash, remember that it isn’t a substitute for brushing or flossing. You still need to maintain good oral hygiene habits.

Does Mouthwash Work?

When choosing a mouthwash, take a look at its ingredients. It can vary from one product to another and it can also determine the benefits that you can get from it.

A mouthwash with alcohol can help get rid of germs and bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath and tooth decay. A certain ingredient called cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) can also help fight germs although it can have an unpleasant aftertaste that also goes away on its own.

An oral rinse can also contain essential oils or herbal extracts to reduce plaque-causing bacteria.

As part of your dental hygiene, mouthwash can help. It depends on the type of mouthwash you’re using. You might benefit more from a mouthwash with germ-killing properties, ingredients that help reduce sensitivity, or those that control plaque.

The 30 seconds that you spend rinsing your mouth can give you fresher breath, stronger teeth, and a cleaner mouth overall. If you’re still not sure which mouthwash product you should use, book an appointment with your dentist or dental hygienist.