5 Things to Look for in Mouthwash

Choosing mouthwash can be overwhelming when you see all of the different options available.  There are two types of mouthwash: cosmetic and therapeutic.  Cosmetic mouthwashes simply cover up bad breath, whiten your teeth, or provide you with a good flavor.  Therapeutic mouthwash does much more, actually working to fight cavities and gingivitis.

 

The best type of mouthwash is therapeutic because it not only fights bad breath, but provides protective and preventative benefits to your oral health.  Here are five things to look for on the label to ensure you have the mouthwash that’s best for your oral health.

 

Fluoride

After you’ve brushed your teeth, you want to get the toothpaste out of your mouth so you rinse with a cup of water.  However, rinsing with water can wash away the fluoride in the toothpaste, which strengthens your teeth and makes them more decay-resistant.  A great alternative is to rinse with a fluoride mouthwash.  It washes away the toothpaste and replenishes the fluoride that’s lost.

 

Anti-Plaque or Anti-Bacterial

Look for a mouthwash that fights bacteria, because a rinse that does this helps fight plaque and gingivitis.  Plaque provides a place for bacteria to multiply and gingivitis is the result of a bacterial infection, revealed by inflamed red gums.  These mouthwashes reduce the bacteria count in your mouth and help stop bacterial activity.  

 

Alcohol-Free

Many mouthwashes contain alcohol in them to give the rinse it’s “bite.”  Unfortunately, the alcohol in a mouthwash can lead to big problems; it can dry out and irritate your mouth, and it’s incredibly dangerous if a child swallows it.  If you suffer from dry mouth, have canker sores on the inside of your mouth, or have a very sensitive mouth, an alcohol-free mouthwash is your best option.

 

ADA Seal

The American Dental Association (ADA) puts seals on products that have been approved by a team of researchers.  When you purchase a mouthwash with the ADA seal, all claims on the packaging have been approved and the product has been tested for safety and effectiveness.  This guarantees that the mouthwash you purchase does the things it claims on the label and is safe to use.  The ADA even maintains a list of approved mouthwashes, providing a variety of different brands and flavors.

Get Specific

There are mouthwashes that treat specific things for your oral health.  Some rinses help whiten your teeth with hydrogen peroxide in the rinse and contain elements that help protect teeth from new stains.  Some rinses are specifically for dry mouth, moisturizing the inside of the mouth.  Some mouthwashes focus on fighting decay while some rinses focus on killing bacteria; there are also some that work to provide total care.  You can choose a mouthwash to address specific problem areas of your oral health, or you can opt for a total care mouthwash to provide all of the benefits, which is what we recommend.

 

For more information about mouthwashes or to set up a dental appointment, contact Greenspoint Dental in Houston, Texas today.  We are dedicated to providing you and your family with the best dental care, including professional advice about the best dental products to use.