Studies have shown that using an appropriate mouthrinse, in conjunction with regular
brushing and flossing, is an easy and effective way for you to improve your overall
oral health. As part of a regular program of oral hygiene, mouthrinses also sometimes
known as mouthwashes can be effective at reducing plaque, controlling bad breath,
and helping to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. There are a plethora of mouthrinses
lining the drugstore shelves, and they are available in both prescription and over-the-counter
(OTC) formulations. Which one is best for you? That depends on what benefit you
expect to get from using it.
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Mouthrinses
It's important to keep in mind that many off-the-shelf mouthrinses are primarily
cosmetic: That means, they may (temporarily) make your mouth taste or smell good,
but they don't offer any lasting benefit to your oral health. There's nothing wrong
with that — as long as you weren't expecting anything more. But if you've been told
that you are at risk for tooth decay or gum disease, you'll want to use a mouthrinse
that has proven clinical benefits.
Therapeutic Mouthrinses
Mouthrinses that offer oral-health benefits are considered therapeutic. These fall
into two general categories: anti-cariogenic rinses, which are designed to prevent
tooth decay (and thus dental caries, or “cavities”); and anti-bacterial rinses,
which help control the buildup of plaque bacteria in your mouth. Some products may
even offer both types of protection.
To help prevent tooth decay, anti-cariogenic mouthrinses use an ingredient you're
probably already familiar with: fluoride. This is often in the form of a .05% sodium
fluoride solution. Because it's a liquid, the rinse can get all around your teeth
— even into spaces the smallest brush can't reach.
Fluoride has been consistently proven to strengthen tooth enamel, which protects
against decay; it can even reduce tiny lesions on teeth where a cavity may form.
There's hardly anyone who couldn't use some extra help in the fight against cavities
— but if you've been told you may be at a higher risk for tooth decay, or if you
have difficulty brushing and flossing, then an anti-cariogenic rinse is a good choice
for you.
Anti-bacterial mouthrinses generally contain ingredients (like triclosan, essential
oils, or the prescription medication chlorhexidine) that help to control the microorganisms
found in plaque. Plaque, a sticky, bacteria-laden biofilm, occurs not only on the
surfaces of the teeth, but also in other parts of the mouth. Rinsing with an anti-bacterial
solution has been shown to provide a greater reduction in plaque than brushing and
flossing alone. As tools in the fight against gum disease (gingivitis) and tooth
decay, anti-bacterial mouthrinses may be a good step toward improving your oral
hygiene.
Choosing A Mouthrinse
If you're looking for an over-the-counter therapeutic mouthrinse, look for the ADA
(American Dental Association) seal on the label; it means that the product has been
evaluated and proven effective by an independent panel of dental experts. If a mouthrinse
has been prescribed for you, you should carefully follow the usage instructions.
(Note, however, that due to labeling rules, prescription mouthrinses may not be
eligible for the ADA seal.) Mouthrinses can benefit most people, but they generally
aren't recommended for children under the age of six, because of the fear that they
may swallow them.