People have been using mouthwashes for many centuries. It was quite a popular means of oral hygiene because it was easy to make at home. The bark from the trees, plant brew, essential oils and anything that Nature gave people, were used for this. It was the easiest way to maintain oral hygiene, available to anyone.
Today, mouthwash is produced on an industrial scale in the greatest variety. Dentists claim that mouthwash is as necessary for daily oral hygiene as toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. Is it true or is it just a marketing trick to sell more dental products? Let’s find out!
What Do You Want from Your Mouthwash?
There are two types of mouthwashes. The first type has a hygienic (or cosmetic) purpose. The action of such mouthwash is focused on refreshing your breath and helping to maintain proper oral hygiene. You can rinse your mouth after meals and wash off food leftovers. But they can’t remove dental plaque and tartar.
The other group of mouthwash products has a more specific action. Depending on their solution, they are made to help in the treatment of dental diseases. Here are the abilities they may have:
- Antibacterial mouthwash - This product helps to slow down the bacterial growth, and as a result, can be a good solution to fight against dental plaque and help in treating gingivitis.
- Anti-caries strengthening mouthwash - Such a mouthwash can have two goals. It contains fluoride that strengthens your teeth and helps them resist caries. The second feature is enforcing sensitive enamel. It is often prescribed to people who wear dental braces to support the teeth that cannot be ideally cleaned.
- Whitening mouthwash that can effectively fight the buildup of dental plaque and calculus.
- Special mouthwash for people with dentures and problematic gums - They are usually prescribed by dentists and aren’t for everyone.
How to Use It Properly
Are there even rules on how to rinse your mouth? Yes, if you use a special product. There are few of them, and they're not at all difficult.
1. Consult your doctor before using a mouthwash - Ask for a recommendation which will be better considering your individual oral conditions.
2. It is important when to use it, before or after brushing - Some are more effective before because they make the dental plaque softer and easier to remove. Those that work as whiteners and refreshers should be used after all the other procedures (brushing and flossing).
3. Never swallow the mouthwash, regardless of how tasty it may smell.
4. For one rinse you should take about 50 ml of the mouthwash.
5. The procedure should last about 1 minute (maybe 3 if the goal of your mouthwash is to enhance the effect of dental treatment).
6. Children under the age of 12 should use mouthwash only supervised by their parents.
What If I Swallowed My Mouthwash
If you accidentally swallowed a portion of your mouthwash, check the ingredients. If there are ethanol or fluoride, there are chances you won’t feel well; visit a doctor if the discomfort doesn’t disappear.
Broadway Family Dental
1152 Broadway,
Brooklyn, New York 11221
+1 (718) 455-4400