Do you use mouthwash? Should you be using mouthwash? Many people wonder whether or not they should use mouthwash, since they are not as familiar with mouthwash as they are with toothpaste or dental floss. Unlike brushing and flossing, which have been instilled in us as essential, daily mouthwash use has more of an optional connotation. It is true that not everyone needs mouthwash, however just about everyone over the age of 6 can benefit from mouthwash use. For some people especially, mouthwash is almost essential because of its impact on certain oral health conditions. To clear up some of the uncertainty about mouthwash, here is a little more about what mouthwash is and how it can be used to manage certain oral health conditions. Most people have seen the rainbow of mouthwash bottles that line the dental aisle, and they may have even used mouthwash before. If you are looking for a mouthwash to improve or manage your oral health, then you will want to look for a therapeutic mouthwash. In fact, this is what most dentists recommend. Therapeutic mouthwashes can be identified by the ingredients they contain.
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Gum disease occurs when excess plaque and bacteria accumulate along the gum line and cause inflammation. Daily mouthwash use for gum disease is beneficial because the essential oils kill bacteria responsible for gum disease and make it harder for future plaque to accumulate. By reducing the amount of plaque and bacteria in the mouth, daily mouthwash use can help treat gum disease. In some cases, your dentist may even prescribe a chlorhexidine rinse to use. Although daily mouthwash use cannot reverse a cavity that has already formed, the fluoride in mouthwash can reverse the first stage of tooth decay known as demineralization. This is because fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel by providing the necessary minerals to rebuild its structure. Daily mouthwash use with a mouthwash containing fluoride is ideal for individuals who are prone to tooth decay or have worn/thin enamel. More formally known as xerostomia, dry mouth is when the body does not produce enough saliva. Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of things, such as medications or certain health conditions. Without proper saliva production, however, the mouth is unable to control bacterial populations or neutralize the acids found in food and produced by bacteria. Consequently, people with dry mouth are more likely to develop tooth decay and gum disease. For these reasons, your dentist is likely to recommend a mouthwash specifically formulated for people with dry mouth. This type of mouthwash contains fluoride to strengthen the enamel, as well as saliva substitutes such as cellulose derivatives, enzymes, and/or animal mucins. People with dry mouth should also look for alcohol-free mouthwash, since alcohol can make dry mouth worse. Whitening mouthwashes contain whitening agents such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Both whitening agents help to remove stains by breaking apart discolored molecules. However, whitening mouthwashes are more effective at preventing future stains than they are at removing existing stains. For this reason, it is recommended to have your teeth professionally whitened before using a whitening mouthwash for the best results.
