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Washing your mouth may not seem necessary after you’ve just brushed and flossed. Using mouth rinse can help prevent oral health problems and keep your breath fresh if it’s used in addition to other oral hygiene products. When you’re walking down the health aisle at the grocery store, you may notice that there are a few different types of rinses. Depending on what you want your mouthwash to accomplish, you can choose from a variety. It’s best to consult your dentist in Oak Hill to see which kind would benefit your mouth the most. Read on to learn about the different types of mouthwashes and what they have to offer.

IS MOUTHWASH VITAL TO YOUR ORAL HEALTH?

Using mouthwash daily could offer you additional benefits to help fortify your oral health and control certain issues such as bad breath and excessive amounts of harmful bacteria. It’s important to remember that using mouthwash isn’t a substitute for brushing and flossing with ADA-approved products.

If you’re prone to developing cavities or have gingivitis, rinsing may be a good idea. Consult with your dentist at your next semi-annual checkup and cleaning so you’re able to pick the best mouth rinse for you. There are four main kinds your dentist may recommend depending on what they believe would offer you the most benefits.

FLUORIDE MOUTHWASH

You may notice that most of your oral hygiene products contain fluoride. This is because it helps defend your teeth from decay and cavities. Fluoride can also be found in tap water, so it is important to consult with your dentist when using this kind of mouth rinse since too much fluoride can cause oral health problems like fluorosis.

ANTISEPTIC MOUTHWASH

Oftentimes, your dentist may recommend using antiseptic mouth rinse because it contains alcohol. This helps stop bacterial growth and benefits people who suffer from halitosis or bad breath. When paired with brushing and flossing, it aids in controlling the harmful bacteria that cause infections as well. It is important to note that overusing antiseptic mouthwash can cause tooth discoloration.

COSMETIC MOUTHWASH

Cosmetic mouth rinses are primarily used for one reason—to freshen your breath. They don’t really do much for your overall oral health like reducing plaque or cavities. However, these types can help stimulate saliva production and prevent dry mouth.

NATURAL MOUTHWASH

These mouthwashes offer the same results as other types. The main difference is that they contain natural ingredients. It’s a popular alternative to rinses that contain alcohol because the ingredients are safer to use, especially for children.

Remember that overusing mouthwash can cause oral problems, so read the label for ingredients, warnings, and instructions. For the best results, consult your dentist for recommendations that will best suit your dental needs so you can enjoy the benefits that mouth rinse has to offer you!

About the Author

Dr. Jack Fan is a valued member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Capital Area Dental Society. He finds the most joy in knowing that he helps his patients look and feel better when they leave his practice with a healthy smile. He’s passionate about giving his patients the highest quality of care in an environment that they’re comfortable in. For any questions or to schedule an appointment, visit The Dental Centre’s website or contact 512-361-4288.