A New Smile Was the Best Investment of My Life

Does The Mouthwash You Use Matter?

20 September 2021

Oscar Allen

Are you feeling overwhelmed with the number of mouthwashes to pick from at the store? If so, you may need some help picking the right kind of mouthwash that will work best for you. While there are plenty of options, it essentially comes down to there being two main types of mouthwash. Here is what you need to know before you make a selection.

Antiseptic Rinses

An antiseptic mouthwash will alter the cell wall of bacteria in your mouth and help break it down. They tend to cause a bit of a burning sensation and are great at improving the health of your gums. This is because they are going to fight plaque and gingivitis, as well as improve your breath. An antiseptic mouthwash is going to be best to use in the morning because you do not have to worry about the mouthwash staying on your teeth for it to be effective. Once you swish it around your mouth, the mouthwash has done its job and it can be rinsed out. 

Many people use antiseptic to freshen their breath, but know that brushing and flossing are going to do a much better job at giving you fresh breath. Use antiseptic mouthwash if you are concerned about your gums staying healthy. 

Fluoride Rinses

A fluoride mouthwash is going to do a better job at preventing cavities. If you have a history of getting cavities, then you'll likely want to use a fluoride mouthwash for the benefits it provides. A fluoride rinse is also a good idea if you currently wear braces, because the braces make it difficult to get your teeth completely clean with the braces being in the way. While a fluoride rinse is not a replacement for brushing and flossing, it can assist with keeping your mouth clean, The rinse actually gets retained in the plaque that is on your teeth, which helps fight the cavities that that plaque could cause by staying on your teeth. 

One thing to note about fluoride rinses is that they need to be left on your teeth for about half an hour for the rinse to be effective. You can't rinse it out immediately with water or eat and drink afterward. This means that it is a good mouthwash to use right before you go to sleep because you're going to go to bed and not do any of the things that can cause the mouthwash to not work.

Contact your family dentist for more advice.

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