Mouthwash is
an essential part of your oral hygiene routine, especially when being treated
by an orthodontist. The process of using
mouthwash seems pretty simple...right? Swig, swish, gargle, spit. But, what most people don’t know is not all
mouthwash is created equal.
The next time you’re ready to
buy mouthwash make sure you know your mouthwash and the differences between
cosmetic mouthwashes and therapeutic mouthwashes. Just like toothpastes, there are different
types of mouthwashes to do different things for your mouth. This is why it’s
important to know the key differences between cosmetic & therapeutic
mouthwashes.
Cosmetic Mouthwashes act as a mask for bad breath or help whiten
teeth. Similar to a mint, cosmetic
mouthwashes will merely cover your bad breath and give you a more agreeable
taste in your mouth. Aside from that,
there are also some cosmetic mouthwashes that help give you a brighter whiter
smile.
Therapeutic Mouthwashes have clinical purposes for oral
hygiene that go beyond masking the smell of your breath. Therapeutic mouthwashes serve to fight
plaque, attack bacteria, and strengthen teeth with fluoride making them a
better choice for our patients at Lenz Orthodontics.
When buying
therapeutic mouthwash, be sure to look for the American Dental Association “Seal of Acceptance” logo on the bottle.
All products that feature this logo have been evaluated by experts and
approved to meet the safety and standards of effectiveness. Also, be sure to
read the instructions very thoroughly and choose the best one for your specific
needs.
Fluoride-based Mouthwash:
Fluoride exists in most toothpaste and in some tap water. For this
reason, it is usually an unnecessary ingredient. Nevertheless, it protects
against cavities and strengthens enamel.
Alcohol–based Mouthwash:
Alcohol kills bacteria and viruses harshly. It dries out the mouth, aggravates
cuts or burns, and exacerbates inflammation. Anyone with sensitivities
should avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes and seek natural ingredients like
aloe.
Antibacterial Mouthwash:
Without alcohol or with a smaller quantity, antibacterial mouthwash
fights infections and minimizes the risk of gum disease. Some patients
will receive a prescription for such rinses after surgery.
Making
sure you gargle and rinse with mouthwash as an additional part of your oral hygiene routine is an essential step to getting the smile of your dreams. If you are uncertain
what therapeutic mouthwash applies to your needs, ask Dr. Lenz and his staff for
help at your next appointment.
