What is mouthwash

Although not designed to be swallowed, some may experience sensitivity when rinsing with a mouthwash containing alcohol. Different formulations of therapeutic mouthwash can treat or address a variety of oral health concerns, including the following:. Bad breath is an extremely common oral condition that is most often the result of poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, consumption of certain foods and beverages, or tobacco use. It may also result from an infection within the mouth, certain nose or throat conditions, or even systemic medical conditions.

If you practice good oral hygiene and have a healthy diet, but your bad breath persists, talk to your dentist to rule out any possible underlying conditions. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that commonly occurs as a result of plaque buildup on the teeth and gingiva.

Plaque contains millions of bacteria. Certain types of mouthwash work to reduce plaque build-up and kill this bacteria, therefore helping to prevent or even reverse gingivitis. Mouthwash containing fluoride can help prevent tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel and protecting from acid attacks. The bacteria within plaque produce acids, which eat away at enamel if teeth are not thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis.

The bacteria feed on the sugars, starches, and other carbohydrates left on the teeth after eating. Tooth decay starts slowly with the acids eating away at the surface minerals of the tooth enamel. If the process goes on long enough it eventually results in a cavity, or a small hole that forms in your tooth after enough enamel is destroyed.

The fluoride in water, toothpaste, rinses and other products helps replace the lost minerals and resist further acid attacks. Mouthwashes that offer pain relief most often contain anesthetics, such as lidocaine, that gently numb the mouth to provide relief. These are typically prescribed by your dentist or physician. Some mouthwashes are formulated with active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide to reduce staining and whiten teeth. These typically require extended use before any results are noticeable and will not have the same effect as cosmetic whitening procedures performed by your dentist.

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is an oral condition that results from reduced or absent saliva flow; it is a common side effect of certain medications. Some of the conditions mouthwashes are designed to address are discussed in the following sections. Alveolar Osteitis Dry Socket Alveolar osteitis AO , also known as dry socket, is a common postoperative condition following dental extraction procedures, particularly those of the third molar.

AO usually results in intense pain in and around the extraction site 2 to 3 days after the procedure. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 trials 7 has shown chlorhexidine, without the use of antibiotics, to be effective for AO prevention following third molar extractions. A moderate, but statistically not significant, increase in efficacy was seen in the gel formulation compared with the rinse formulation; however, the review could not recommend a specific dosing regimen.

Studies included in the review reported minor, nonclinical reactions to chlorhexidine, including staining of teeth, dentures, and tongue, and altered taste. They arise from a variety of sources e. Mouthwashes with therapeutic agents like antimicrobials, however, may be effective for more long-term control of bad breath.

Antimicrobials in mouthwash formulations include chlorhexidine, chlorine dioxide, cetylpyridinium chloride, and essential oils e. Other agents used in mouthwashes to inhibit odor-causing compounds include zinc salts, ketone, terpene, and ionone. Plaque and Gingivitis When used in mouthwashes, antimicrobial ingredients like cetylpyridinium, chlorhexidine, and essential oils have been shown to reduce plaque and gingivitis when combined with daily brushing and flossing.

Tooth Decay Fluoride ions, which promote remineralization, may be provided by certain mouthwashes. A Cochrane systematic review found that regular use of fluoride mouthwash reduced tooth decay in children, regardless of exposure to other sources of fluoride i. Whitening Mouthwash may contribute to extrinsic stain reduction when either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide are among the active ingredients. Products that rely on carbamide peroxide typically contain 10 percent carbamide peroxide and may be dispensed by dentists to their patients for use at home.

Xerostomia Xerostomia is a reduction in the amount of saliva bathing the oral mucous membranes. Since the lack of saliva increases the risk of caries, a fluoride-containing mouthwash may be helpful to those managing this problem. However, since alcohol can be drying, it may be prudent to recommend an alcohol-free mouthwash.

Oral Cancer Concern Alcohol consumption as well as alcohol and tobacco use are known risk factors for head and neck cancers. Content is neither intended to nor does it establish a standard of care or the official policy or position of the ADA; and is not a substitute for professional judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

ADA is not responsible for information on external websites linked to this website. If you have open sores or oral lesions in your mouth, you might want to try using mouthwash to kill bacteria and speed healing. But you should speak to a dentist before using an oral rinse in your mouth if you have recurring oral lesions.

Sores in your mouth can be caused by underlying health issues, and dousing those sores with fluoride and antiseptic could be doing more harm than good.

Mouthwash can be used to prevent or stop bad breath, as well as to rinse out plaque and fight gum disease. In order for mouthwash to do your mouth any good, it should be used properly. Speak to a dentist about any concerns you have about chronic or ongoing oral health conditions. Chlorhexidine mouthwash is a prescription mouthwash that decreases bacteria in your mouth. It can reduce the inflammation, swelling, and bleeding of….

Magic mouthwash, or medicated mouthwash, can have a lot of different ingredients. An unpleasant odor coming from your mouth can have a negative effect on your confidence or relationships. Achieving healthy teeth takes a lifetime of care. Learn all about the gingival sulcus: what it is, how to take care of it, how to treat problem associated with it, and general oral health tips to keep….

Are you interested in trying out charcoal toothpaste but not sure where to start? It may be overwhelming to choose one.

What are the differences between the types of Mouthwash? What kind of Mouthwash do I need? Adding Mouthwash to your oral care routine can freshen breath, help with teeth whitening, and reduce plaque formation in your mouth.

Learn about Mouthwash's benefits, the different types, and how to choose the right Mouthwash for you. First, you should know the two categories of Mouthwash, cosmetic, and therapeutic. Cosmetic mouthwashes are ideal for only freshening breath and making you feel sparkling clean. Cosmetic rinses eliminate odor, but they are not designed to get rid of bacteria or reduce plaque.

Therapeutic mouthwashes are different. Not only do therapeutic mouthwashes come in flavors that freshen breath, but they have ingredients that can help reduce plaque and help prevent gingivitis and cavities. Some therapeutic mouthwashes can have antimicrobial and anti-tartar ingredients.

These mouthwashes can be purchased over the counter or prescribed by your dentist. You may have heard that Mouthwash is good for oral health, but you may be wondering what Mouthwash does precisely.

There are many potential benefits of Mouthwash, but these benefits depend on its ingredients and how you're using it. Depending on the type of Mouthwash, some of the benefits of Mouthwash include:.

So, how does Mouthwash work? Therapeutic mouthwashes have active ingredients for specific uses. These therapeutic mouthwashes can fight bacteria that cause bad breath or gingivitis, provide fluoride, provide antimicrobial qualities to keep the mouth clean and fresh, healthier, and soothe dry-mouth effects.

There are mouthwashes designed to help remove surface stains and whiten teeth. Surface stains can be caused by highly pigmented or acidic foods like coffee, red wine, and tomato sauce.