Mouthwash mysteries solved
There’s no shortage of dental products out there. We know the wide array of mouth washes and mouth rinses that advertise things like fresher breath, fewer cavities and a radiantly whiter smile can be especially confusing. How can you tell the difference when many varieties promise so much? How do you know you’re buying the right product for what you need? This article is meant to clear up the confusion a bit so you can walk down the dental isle and buy with confidence. Let’s take a deeper dive into understanding the difference between a cosmetic mouth rinse and a therapeutic mouthwash.
Cosmetic Mouthrinse vs. Therapeutic Mouthwash: Yes, there is a difference, and wht’s best for you depends on if ou are treating an oral health condition or simply freshening up your smile. With 1.39 billion dollars spent on these products every year, it’s important to understand how each one can (and can’t) benefit you.
Cosmetic Mouthrinse:
Can be used before or after brushing or throughout the day as “pick me up.” It’s a great option after meals and/or when you need an on-the-go refresh. A quick rinse can help wash away debris like food particles, temporarily mask odors on your breath, and revive your mouth with a pleasant taste! Cosmetic mouth rinses don’t have the chemical or biological ability to eliminate bacteria associated with bad breath so they fall into the category of a”beauty” product. The majority of mouthwash seekers are looking to accomplish something in this realm, whether freshening breath for a work interview or whitening a smile for new head shots.
Is actually meant to be used BEFORE brushing or throughout the day to freshen breath or decrease harmful bacteria. Some formulas can even help with dry mouth and prevent mouth sores. All rinses are really a “pick me up” in between meals and meant for quick on-the-go refreshment. Examples of rinses include Listerine Blue, Listerine Green, Listerine Total, Plax and Closys.
Therapeutic Mouthwash:
Mouthwashes under this category are used to treat oral conditions like chronic bad breath, gingivitis, cavities, dry mouth, and mouth sores. They are available both over the counter and by prescription, depending on their formulation. Mouthwash should be used after brushing either in the morning or at night. Mouthwashes contain active ingredients like fluoride to prevent cavities through reminerilization or an antiseptic for controlling bacteria and managing gum disease. If you have any doubts if your mouthwash is an antiseptic check the ingredients label and look for common antimicrobial ingredients such as, Cloralstan, Stabilized Chlorine Dioxide, essential oils, or cetylpyridinium chloride. If you experience issues with gingivitis or periodontal disease please consult your dentist’s or hygienist’s recommendations as a stronger prescription product called Chlorhexidine may be more appropriate for you.
A note on alcohol in mouthwash: Many products contains alcohol, which you’ll be able to see on the ingredients label. Alcohol helps kill bacteria gives you that “burning sensation” of minty freshness. It also tends to dry out the tissues in your mouth over time, so if this isn’t the effect you’re after be sure to double check ingredient list first. Avoiding products with alcohol in them is a good idea if you’re treating dry mouth or mouth sores, since the drying effect could exacerbate your problems. There are alcohol-free rinses available that can kill bacteria just as effectively.
We hope this article has given you a little more insight for the next time you walk down the dental isle. Although mouth rinses and washes can be very similar they are used for different purposes. Neither replaces flossing and both work best when used in conjunction with regular dental wellness or gum care visits. So make sure you maintain your regular appointments!
For a quick go to guide we have put together a quick reference to go by the next time you are in the store:
