Is All Dental Mouthwash Created Equal?

Everything You Should Know Before Choosing A Mouthwash

Mouthwash is an important part of your everyday dental regimen, but there are a lot of options available. But, just how are you supposed to know exactly which mouthwash is right for you? This guide can help you understand the different types of mouthwash on the market and which is the most beneficial for your individual dental needs.

The Basics of Mouthwash

Mouthwash is a staple in many patients’ bathrooms, and should be included in your daily oral care routine to help maintain optimum dental health. Typically, mouthwash is used for a variety of reasons, such as:

• To keep breath fresh
• To prevent, control, or minimize tooth decay
• To help reduce plaque that develops on tooth enamel
• To help prevent or reduce the possibility of developing gingivitis or similar gum diseases
• To control tartar and bacteria buildup

Different rinses and mouthwashes can target one or more of these, depending on the ingredients and what it’s targeting, such as fighting bad breath or controlling gingivitis. Essentially, mouthwash is broken down into two general categories: therapeutic or cosmetic. Cosmetic mouthwashes are simply breath-freshening rinses that can give you a temporary freshness boost, but will not target or eliminate any harmful germs or bacteria in your mouth.

Conversely, therapeutic mouthwash contains the ingredients necessary to combat the germs that cause bad breath, as well as other harmful ailments that may develop in your teeth and gums. Basically, any mouthwash that does not contain alcohol is considered a cosmetic rinse. If you are trying to simply mask bad breath, you can opt for a cosmetic rinse, but if you are trying to kill the germs that cause bad breath and odor, you should choose a therapeutic rinse instead.

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Exploring Different Kinds of Mouthwash

If you’ve ever strolled through the dental aisle of your local drugstore, you’ll know that mouthwash comes in different sizes, shapes, colors, and flavors. You can even be prescribed a special mouthwash from your dentist! At Beaufils Dental we try our hardest to provide our patients with the knowledge needed to sort through any difficult or complicated tasks. Dr. Beaufils likes to remind his patients that, when shopping for mouthwash, there are a few things to keep in mind.

When reading those labels, you’ll come across a number of terms describing the type of rinse. You’re probably already familiar with fluoride, which is a substance the ADA (American Dental Association) states has been known to reduce cavities and help prevent tooth decay. Antimicrobial or antibacterial is another term you’ll likely come across when shopping for a mouthwash. These rinses help fight off harmful plaque and gum diseases like gingivitis. You can also purchase a fluoride mouthwash that is also antimicrobial. Additionally, there are antiseptic rinses, desensitizing mouthwashes, and even anti-plaque mouthwashes that contain germicides such as cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC).

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Keep in mind an oral mouthwash, even if it is a therapeutic rinse, is not a substitute for regular brushing and flossing. Mouthwash should be used in conjunction with, not in place of these important dental care tasks. During your next dental appointment, be sure to ask your dentist what type of mouthwash is best for you. From there, you can choose from a brand, flavor, or color that you prefer so you can enjoy fresher breath and a healthier mouth!

Keep Your Breath Fresh and Your Mouth Clean

Overdue for a cleaning or just have some questions about your oral care? Beaufils Dental offers patients in Cooper City a wide variety of dental services, including helping put together the ideal oral care regimen for your unique needs. To schedule an appointment with one of our dental health care experts, please give us a call at 954-252-1390.