Do you regularly make mouthwash part of your oral care routine? If so, you’re among the 200 million Americans that do. Mouthwash can do a lot of different things depending on your needs. Plus, it’s available in different sizes and even in powdered form so you have alternative options for using and storing it. Discover the types of mouthwash, what they do, and how they can compliment your oral care routine.
The Many Uses of Mouthwash
Featuring a wide range of active ingredients and a variety of claims, mouthwashes are designed with vastly different purposes in mind. Some people like to keep a small one in their desk, purse, or car so it’s there to freshen their mouth before a meeting or date. Others may rely on it for its fluoride and legitimate teeth cleaning properties. Still, others might use mouthwash exclusively for its whitening potential.
Whitening Your Teeth
Whitening your teeth has become a multi-billion dollar business and mouthwashes are one of the main ways to do it. Ingredients like peroxide are used to whiten the teeth in mouthwashes, whitening trays, and other products. Whitening mouthwashes will always list whitening as one of their benefits on the label.
Freshening Breath
Freshening breath is one of the most common benefits of using mouthwash, and it works by killing many of the germs and bacteria that cause it. There is one important caveat though, and that’s that only mouthwashes without alcohol are good for freshening the breath – many types of mouthwash have up to 25% alcohol content and can actually dry out your mouth.
Cleaning Your Teeth and Fighting Plaque
Everyone who uses a mouthwash probably assumes that it’s contributing to a cleaner mouth, but that may not be the case. Of the two types of mouthwashes, only therapeutic mouthwashes actually kill plaque and clean your teeth. Often, these are harder to obtain and may require a prescription from your dentist.
Understanding the Different Types of Mouthwash
While the traditional types of mouthwash are cosmetic and therapeutic, the vast amount of mouthwash options out there gave way to new types and categories. These are five distinct types of mouthwash that you can use to improve your aesthetics or oral health.
- Fluoride
Fluoride is found in tap water as well as toothpaste and many types of mouthwash and is one of the
main ingredients that prevents tooth decay.
- Cosmetic
Those who are concerned with whitening their smile will most likely choose
cosmetic mouthwash due to its powerful whitening or stain removing qualities.
- Antiseptic
Antiseptic mouthwashes are created to kill germs. These mouthwashes typically require a
prescription and may cause dry mouth due to high amounts of alcohol.
- Natural
Products made from purely organic sources have become extremely popular in recent years,
and natural mouthwashes are no exception.
- Total Care
Many brands have a mouthwash that does many things at once for your smile.
These may be adorned with statements like “8-in-1” to show that they’re multi-faceted.
Ready to Make Mouthwash a Part of Your Daily Routine?
While brushing twice daily and flossing once each day are cornerstones of excellent oral health at home, mouthwash can be an excellent complement to your routine. Whether you use it to whiten, freshen, or clean your teeth, the benefits are numerous to using a high-quality mouthwash. Home care is vital for keeping your smile strong, but it’s not enough on its own – it’s also necessary to attend your biannual dentist appointments. Contact our dental team at Smile! Dental Center when you’re ready for your next appointment.
