How to Choose a Mouthwash: Types and Features of Mouthwash

Mouthwash, along with a toothbrush and floss, is an important part of good dental hygiene. Many people know that oral hygiene is a must for every person. But often they only care about their teeth, not thinking about the rest of the mouth. Harmful bacteria accumulate on the mucous membrane of the gums, tongue and interdental space, provoking the development of various diseases. Therefore, in addition to brushing your teeth, you must include the use of mouthwashes in your daily care. It penetrates hard-to-reach places, allowing you to achieve the desired result.

To make the composition as effective as possible, there are different active ingredients inside. These include antiseptics, fluorides, calcium citrate, herbal decoctions and extracts, various essential oils. Due to them, the rinser has the most active effect.

Why do You Need a Mouthwash?

Using a cleansing liquid can be a great addition to your daily hygiene routine. The use of mouthwash for gums has a complex effect on the health of the oral cavity, provides round-the-clock protection, maintains the balance of microflora. This is a simple but good way to prevent various dental diseases. What is the effectiveness of mouth rinses? Modern hygiene products can perform several functions at the same time:

cleansing the oral cavity from food debris and bacteria;
prevention of many dental problems (including bleeding gums and caries);
ensuring the long-term freshness of breath;
teeth whitening.

The quality of these effects depends on the composition of the mouthwash and compliance with the rules for its use. Rinses remove food debris from hard-to-reach places in the mouth and have a deodorizing effect. Antimicrobial mouthwash can prevent the appearance of bad breath for a long time. Due to their properties, mouth rinses can significantly reduce the number of bacteria and the speed of their spread. In addition, due to the fluoride, which is part of the composition, they also strengthen the enamel of the teeth and reduce the production of acid. The use of a homemade mouthwash will make the care of sensitive teeth more comfortable and at the same time will provide a high-quality cleaning of the oral cavity. Many people have darkening of the enamel, which can be caused by inadequate oral hygiene, smoking, and regular consumption of certain foods and drinks. In addition, plaque accumulates pigments coming from food. Best mouthwash for gingivitis containing essential oils, when used regularly, help to restore the enamel to its natural whiteness and prevent further discoloration. Fluoride, which is part of the rinses, remineralizes tooth enamel, making it denser and more resistant to damage. This helps prevent bacteria and the acids they produce from decaying teeth. Mouthwashes have a complex effect. They prevent the onset of most dental problems and even have a healing effect. These products improve gum health, fight odor, protect tooth enamel from pathogens and help maintain an attractive white smile. It’s also helpful to use a mouthwash for braces oral care.

Recommendations for correct use:

The mouthwash is used 2-3 times a day, immediately after brushing your teeth.
For half an hour, you must stop eating and drinking to maximize the effect of antibacterial substances.
The cleanser should not go into the stomach.
A fluoride liquid is best for protecting against tooth decay.
A whitening mouthwash with essential oils can help keep your smile whiter for a long time.
An herbal rinse that prevents inflammation is suitable for daily care.

Types of Mouthwash

Mouth rinses are divided into two categories: therapeutic and prophylactic.

The first type of rinse fluid has a healing effect. It contains antiseptic agents and helps to solve complex dental problems. It has an anti-carious, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial function. For daily care, medicinal products are not suitable, since they can disrupt the microflora.
Preventive rinses are recommended for continuous use. They contain plant components that have a beneficial effect on the teeth and gums.

In addition, there are different types of cleansers:

complex;
sensitive;
anti-inflammatory;
whitening;
strengthening.

Modern rinses contain not only antiseptics but also fluoride. This substance prevents the development of a carious process. Antiseptic mouthwash contains various herbal extracts. They are used for bleeding gums, provoked by a chronic inflammatory process, the development of gingivitis and periodontitis. Natural mouthwashes can be used daily as a complimentary oral hygiene and care method. Some mouthwash formulations are designed to reduce tooth sensitivity. They contain fluoride. They strengthen enamel, help reduce bacterial growth and prevent plaque build-up. Such fluoride mouthwash must be used in courses when the sensitivity of the enamel and dentin of the teeth increases. The brightening composition in the mouthwash does not affect the color of the enamel, but it helps to destroy the soft plaque that forms during poor hygiene.

Why Mouthwashes Can Be Dangerous

There is another side to the mouthwash issue. Is it good for teeth when there are no specific indications for its use? You need to understand that to have the best possible effect from the medicated mouthwash, you need to follow the recommendations of your dentist.

An incorrectly selected remedy can not only be ineffective but also cause some harm:

Disrupt the natural microflora.
Alcohol-based mouthwash can cause irritation and dry mouth.
Frequent exposure to chlorhexidine can cause staining of the enamel or the formation of dark spots on the surface of the teeth.
Large quantities of active ingredients in the rinse aid can cause an allergic reaction.

How to Choose the Right Mouthwash

Lost in variety and can't find the best mouthwash? In this case, you should ask for professional advice from a doctor. The choice of means is necessary taking into account the individual state of the oral cavity (the presence of any diseases and complications, for example, increased formation of tartar, a tendency to inflammation and bleeding of the gums, etc.). Before buying an antibacterial mouthwash, it's recommended to learn about its composition and what it’s intended for:

Preventive mouth rinses. In this case, it’s worth choosing a herbal rinse that helps to reduce the number of bacteria and has an overall positive effect.
With caries, you can choose antifungal mouthwash with essential oils, fluorides or antiseptics.
For gum problems, it’s recommended to use rinses with alcohol, antiseptics or herbal ingredients.
If the enamel is weak and there is tartar, then you can purchase a product with calcium citrate or fluoride.
For other dental problems, medicated mouthwashes may contain pain relievers, antibacterial agents, and astringents.

When buying, you should give preference to hygiene products from one manufacturer or one line. In this case, the composition of the paste will be optimally balanced concerning the mouthwash, and their use can increase the overall effectiveness of preventive care or treatment.

Using an oral rinse is a healthy and sensible habit. However, it’s worth remembering that mouthwash cannot completely replace the use of a toothbrush and toothpaste. It acts only as an addition to basic hygiene products. To ensure that your oral care is as effective as possible, visit your dentist who will find the most appropriate remedy. A careful attitude to daily hygiene is the key to a beautiful, healthy and attractive smile.