Mouthwash, after brushing and flossing, is the main way to enhance dental and oral hygiene and to have a perfect smile. Mouthwashes can be highly advantageous beyond our image of this care product. The advantages, benefits, application and buying the right type of the mouth rinses are made clear to the readers in this article.
The benefits of using mouthwash
The different brands of mouth rinses are beneficial in many ways. Together we read the benefits of mouthwash.
Bacteria reduction in the mouth
Active bacteria during infections in the gum through bleeding can cause serious side effects in pregnant women, but regular rinses of mouth wash reduce this serious risk.
Mouth rinses also prevent plaque buildup and gum diseases like gum infection and gum inflammation by eliminating bacteria in the mouth.
Helpful in whitening teeth
Mouthwash containing carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide have whitening effects on teeth. If there is a slight sign of discolored teeth or yellow color because of plaque on teeth, these mouthwashes help to whiten the teeth. That doesn’t mean it can be a replacement for tooth bleaching.
It fights bad breath
One of the most important benefits of using mouthwash is freshening and reducing bad breath. Although fluoridated toothpaste can have the same function, it cannot have as long-lasting effects as mouthwash. Fluoride, if used for a long period of time, can have dramatic results in terms of reducing bad smell of breath.
Eliminate remaining food particles in the mouth
Apart from freshening, mouthwash can contribute to loosening sticky foods on teeth, but if you use mouthwash after brushing and eating, the effect is noticeable.
Prevent the buildup of plaque
There are various brands of mouthwash to prevent the growth of plaque on teeth and under gums. As a preventive strategy, mouthwashes maintain the health of gum tissue against the possible gum diseases.
It IS a tooth decay prevention method
Since mouthwash has fluoride as an ingredient, it slows down tooth decay and enamel loss which show up as cavity at the end. So, be sure to buy fluoridated mouthwashes for greater benefits.
Helpful in relieving the abscess pains in the mouth
Mouthwash, which is free of alcohol or contain small degrees around 18 percent of alcohol, can reduce the pains of mouth abscess.
How to use a mouthwash?
Most dentists believe twice-a-day teeth brushing (with fluoridated toothpaste) can provide sufficient amount of fluoride to prevent tooth decay. In case of being at higher risks of tooth decay, along with brushing and flossing, use fluoridated mouthwash, too.
To use these rinses, consider the following tips:
- Use appropriate amount. Read the label before applying the mouthwash
- Close your mouth and swish the rinse after pouring it into the mouth
- Do not swallow the rinse since the higher fluoride ingredient is toxic
- Do not eat for 30 minutes after using the mouthwash in order not to reduce the influences of fluoride
Tips before using a mouthwash
Try to consider some more tips related to the mouthwashes:
Dilute them if needed
The different amounts of ingredients in mouthwash require different application and the label on the brand clarifies whether diluting with water is necessary or not.
There is still no replacement for the same old habit of brushing teeth!
Routine care of teeth with brushing and flossing are crucial and mouthwash rinses are supplementary factors in tooth care not the replacements.
Washing the mouth for how long
The key tip in using mouthwash is the time that can be spent for swishing the rinse in the mouth. To know that, read the label for each brand. Most rinses are applied for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Don’t forget to spit it out after swishing the rinse!
How to select the best mouthwash?
When buying, remember the most benefits of mouthwashes from your perspective. Look for alcohol-free rinses to stop your worries about the possible risks that alcohol may cause. The approved and ensuring brand considering your goal can make selecting the right choice easy. Need help? See your dentist.
As we pointed out, keeping the health of teeth and mouth is your priority. The selection of the appropriate mouthwash in the various types of brands should be your goal.
For appropriate cleaning efficacy of mouthwashes, bear in mind the functions of theses rinses. Now some more tips in this case:
Do I need alcohol containing mouthwash?
Alcohol is one of the main components of mouthwash which makes plenty of problems if swallowed in a large amount. If you want your family members especially young people in your family to use mouthwashes, try to get the alcohol-free rinses.
Having teeth sensitivity and the mouthwash type
Sensitive gums require normal mouthwashes. If you have sensitive gums together with sensitive teeth, select alcohol-free mouthwashes. The other points to remember is natural substance found in some mouthwashes like those containing aloe vera or chamomile with sweet and soothing taste.
Mouth wash’s eradication of plaque formation
Plaque and other germ accumulation on teeth can be prevented with mouthwashes if that concept is your main goal in keeping the oral hygiene.
Ask for help from your dentist
For assurance of the suitable type of mouthwash to use, have a consultation with your dentist. By examining the oral and teeth conditions, your dentist can prescribe the appropriate type of mouthwash.
Side effects of mouthwash: with all these benefits, are there any risks?
There are some side effects considering mouthwash application. We will discuss these side effects below.
Mouthwash contribute to dryness of the mouth and cancer
Alcohol containing mouthwashes are sold at drugstores and we should be careful about excessive usages of these types of mouthwashes. Alcohol by itself is a major cause of dry mouth and bad breath. Also, diseases like cancers related to the mouth are other possible risks of too much of alcohol containing mouthwashes.
Increase of blood pressure and mouthwash
Studies have shown that regular usage of mouthwashes can increase your blood pressure because these rinses eliminate some helpful bacteria in the mouth. We also need to know that not all bacteria are bad. For example, excessive usage of mouthwashes can kill nitric acid (here is one good guy!), which is responsible for healthy cardiovascular system in the body.
They are in the same boat
When bacteria in the mouth are eliminated with mouthwash, your front-line bacteria are killed, too. That means, using mouthwash increases the risks of infections like helicobacter pylori.
Anti-bacterial mouthwashes triggers inflamed intestine which leads to intestinal permeability, intolerance of foods, allergies and other immune system disorders.
An important tip to know about mouthwash use in children
Whether you choose mouthwashes or skip them, these rinses should be avoided in children under 6 years old. Since gastro esophageal reflux due to immaturity of antireflux function is common among children, they tend to swallow large amounts of these rinses and toxicity of the substances cause vomiting in them.
