Do you wonder how to choose the right mouthwash? Read to know how to choose the mouthwash to maintain good oral health.
Types
There are various kinds of mouthwash. Before learning how to choose the right mouthwash, let’s explore the types of mouthwash:
Cosmetic Mouthwashes
These mouthwashes make your breath smell nice but don’t do much for oral health. They can’t protect you from plaque, gingivitis, or cavities.
Fluoride Mouthwashes
These have fluoride, which makes your teeth stronger and prevents cavities. You might not need this if you already use fluoride toothpaste or drink water with fluoride.
Antibacterial Mouthwashes
These are great when used along with brushing and flossing. They kill bacteria that your toothbrush and floss might miss. Many also have fluoride to make your teeth even stronger. Look for the ADA seal to know they’re good for fighting gum problems and plaque.
Oral Health Concerns
Before knowing how to choose the right mouthwash, consider your oral health. The mouthwash that’s right for you depends on your oral health. Do you have bad breath, dry mouth, or issues like gingivitis? Your current dental condition is crucial.
Bad Breath
For bad breath, mild cases can use mouthwash that covers up the smell. But if it’s persistent, it could mean bacteria or gum problems, and you might need antibacterial mouthwash. It’s important to talk to your dentist about how to choose the right mouthwash to avoid bad breath.
Dry Mouth
Do you know how to choose the right mouthwash for a dry mouth? It’s best to stay away from alcohol mouthwashes if you have a dry mouth. Alcohol mouthwash can make your dry mouth worse.
Alcohol-free mouthwashes are a better choice for people with dry mouth. If your dry mouth is nasty and removing alcohol doesn’t help, you can use special mouth rinses or artificial saliva made to relieve dry mouth.
Gingivitis and Gum Disease
Gingivitis and gum disease are serious problems that you should take seriously, whether you already have them or want to prevent them. To protect your mouth from these issues, choose a mouthwash with antiplaque, antibacterial, antimicrobial, or anti-gingivitis ingredients.
If your dentist says you have gingivitis or gum disease, they might give you a stronger mouthwash with chlorhexidine. It helps kill bacteria and improve your oral health, but you must also brush and floss correctly for it to work.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity can be a bothersome and uncomfortable problem. But some mouthwashes can help reduce it. They can numb or strengthen your teeth to make sensitivity better.
If you have sensitive teeth, choose a mouthwash with potassium citrate, potassium nitrate, calcium phosphate, stannous fluoride, or sodium fluoride. These ingredients can numb the nerves and make your teeth stronger, so things that cause sensitivity can’t get through as quickly.
Oral Care For Kids
If you don’t know how to choose the right mouthwash for your family or kids, don’t worry. You must ensure mouthwash for kids is alcohol-free. Some mouthwashes have alcohol, which can be harmful if kids accidentally swallow it. It’s safer to choose alcohol-free options.
Children under six shouldn’t use mouthwash because their teeth are still growing, and it can cause a cosmetic issue called fluorosis, which affects the appearance of their teeth.
Also, remember to keep mouthwash out of kids’ reach because they might mistake it for a drink instead of a rinse.
Prevention
Even if your teeth are healthy, using mouthwash is an excellent way to protect them and stop problems from happening. Find a mouthwash with fluoride to keep your teeth strong and prevent cavities.
It’s also wise to use mouthwash with ingredients that fight plaque, bacteria, and gum problems, as these can help stop severe dental issues like gingivitis and gum disease.
Conclusion
The blog guides you on how to choose the right mouthwash. Always consider your oral health conditions before getting mouthwash. Consult your dentist before changing mouthwash and also discuss your dental conditions.
If you still wonder how to choose the right mouthwash, contact Dentalsway. We are here to help you.
