Are All Mouthwashes Equal?
Using mouthwash can help you to remove more bacteria, tartar and other debris from your teeth and mouth to make your entire dental hygiene routine more effective. Adding mouthwash to your routine will help you remove more bacteria and tartar than brushing or flossing alone. You can also use mouthwash to minimize the effects of sugar and other foods you’ve eaten when you don’t have an opportunity to brush right away.
Using mouthwash every day can make your next dental exam go a little easier and make your North Phoenix dentist a little happier. But not all mouthwashes are created equal. Different mouthwashes have different ingredients included for different purposes. Here’s what you need to know about the options:
Antibacterial Mouthwash
Just like its name suggests, antibacterial mouthwash is designed to kill bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria can contribute to serious dental issues such as gum disease and gingivitis. It can also contribute to some less severe problems that can still be a nuisance, such as bad breath and plaque. You may not suffer serious pain from these issues, but you might feel more self-conscious on a date or have a harder time during your dental exam.
Typically, you will have to get a prescription for a good antibacterial mouthwash. However, you might find a few options that are available over the counter. Your dentist will usually recommend an antibacterial mouthwash to you if he notices issues with excessive plaque or bleeding or recession around your gums. You can also request it if you are concerned that you have bad breath.
Fluoride Rinse
Many mouthwashes that you buy over the counter at your local drug store or the grocery store are fluoride rinses. These mouthwashes help to clean your teeth but they also add fluoride to your teeth to help strengthen and protect them. Fluoride strengthens enamel, which coats teeth and helps to prevent cavities and decay. Fluoride is found in some drinking water and is often included in toothpaste.
A fluoride rinse will help you to reduce your risk of cavities by strengthening your teeth. However, it will do nothing to prevent gum disease, which is caused by bacteria in your mouth. You will still need to practice good brushing and flossing, and you may need to consider rinsing with an additional antibacterial mouthwash if you are experiencing more serious problems. Your dentist can help you develop a plan for your specific needs.
Prescription Mouthwash
Prescription mouthwashes vary in their ingredients and their purpose, but they are generally made of much stronger concentrations than what you would find in over-the-counter options. For example, your dentist could prescribe you a mouthwash to address your gingivitis that has stronger concentrations of antibacterial ingredients in addition to other ingredients.
Prescription mouthwashes also typically contain alcohol, which is another reason that they are controlled by the written recommendation of your dentist. Whatever the type of prescription mouthwash you need, you will get a controlled amount and express directions about how much to use and how frequently to use it. Just like any medication that you take, you will also have to get a new prescription when your supply runs out.
Not all mouthwashes are created equal, whether you are getting a prescription mouthwash or are shopping for options at the local drug store. It is important that you work with your dentist to identify what you need the most for your oral hygiene routine and then shop for the mouthwash that best meets those needs. You should also get feedback on the kinds of brands you should look for when shopping for over-the-counter options.
17100 N 67th Ave, Suite 500
Glendale, Arizona 85308
Phone: (623) 979-1515
Fax: (623) 878-1811
Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm
Website: https://www.drgregceyhan.com
