What You Need to Know About Mouthrinse

October is Dental Hygiene Month!

Proper oral hygiene is the basis of maintaining good oral health. Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day, as well as a balanced diet and hydration, are essential for a healthy mouth and for overall well-being.

A mouthrinse, also called a mouthwash or oral rinse, is designed to improve oral hygiene. For some people, a mouthrinse may offer an extra layer of oral hygiene. While it is not to be used in place of brushing and flossing, it may help prevent or control tooth decay.

What is a Mouthrinse?

A mouthrinse is a liquid that contains active ingredients that can help reduce plaque, gingivitis, cavities, and freshen your breath. It is designed to be swished in the mouth and spit out after brushing and flossing.

Why Use a Mouthrinse?

Adding a mouthrinse to your oral hygiene regimen helps ensure your whole mouth is clean. According to the American Dental Association, a mouthrinse provides the following oral health benefits:

• Reduces cavities.
• Freshens breath.
• Reduces plaque buildup.
• Fights gum disease.
• Reduces the speed at which tartar (hardened plaque) forms on teeth.

Types of Oral Rinses

Different oral rinses have different ingredients depending on their purpose. Some may only help freshen breath. Others have ingredients, such as fluoride, which can help prevent cavities, or ingredients that kill germs to reduce plaque and fight gum disease. It is best to choose the one based on your oral health needs.

There are two main types of mouthrinses: therapeutic or cosmetic. 

1. Therapeutic. This type has active ingredients that kill germs and can help reduce plaque, gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. Those that contain fluoride can reduce cavities by protecting the tooth enamel. Mouthrinses designed for dry mouth contain ingredients that lubricate the mouth and ease dry mouth symptoms. This type of mouthrinse is available over the counter or with a prescription from a dentist.

2. Cosmetic. This type of mouthrinse may reduce or control bad breath and leave your mouth with a pleasant mint taste; however, it may not reduce the risk of cavities or gum disease. Whitening rinse contains mild peroxide agents that help lift stains. This type of mouthrinse is available over the counter.

Mouthwash that Contains Alcohol

Some mouthwashes may contain alcohol. Although they can help reduce bad breath, plaque, and gingivitis, they can also irritate the gums or cause a burning sensation in the cheeks and on the tongue. If this occurs, it may be best to try a mouthwash without alcohol.

Additional Information

It is important to note that mouthwash can mask the signs of bad breath, which can indicate an underlying oral health condition. If you are concerned about having bad breath, speak with your dental provider. He or she can help find the root cause and suggest the best type of mouthwash to use for your oral health needs.

See Your Dentist

If you experience any of the following adverse reactions from using a mouthrinse, stop using it and talk to your dentist right away.

• Burning that persists after a few days.
• Bleeding gums.
• Constant bad breath.
• Sores that develop (red or white patches).
• Swelling of the cheeks and gums.

Giving your oral hygiene a boost with a mouthrinse may help improve your oral health. Check with your dentist if a mouthrinse is right for you and which type to use.