With so many choices available, do you find yourself asking, “which mouthwash is right for me?” We can help.
But first, why might you want to use mouthwash in the first place?
Cosmetic vs. Therapeutic Mouthwashes
Cosmetic mouthwashes are formulated to temporarily control bad breath. They generally also leave a lingering nice taste in your mouth.
Therapeutic mouthwashes, on the other hand, are designed to fight germs and bacteria over a longer term. These mouthwashes may help reduce plaque, although they are not a substitute for proper brushing.
Further Considerations
Once you’ve determined if you need a cosmetic or therapeutic mouthwash, here are some additional considerations to help you choose a mouthwash that is right for you:
ADA Seal of Acceptance The American Dental Association only gives its Seal of Acceptance to products that meet safety and efficacy standards. Not all mouthwashes that you can buy have this, so look to make sure that the one you choose does.
Alcohol Some mouthwashes contain alcohol. Although no mouthwash should be swallowed, some may be. So if you have children or others in your home for whom alcohol would be a problem, it’s safer to choose one that doesn’t have it as an ingredient.
Flouride Flouride is added to some mouthwash to help prevent tooth decay. But not all mouthwashes have it, so be sure to check the label. If you have a history of cavities, gum recession, or dry mouth, you might benefit from using a flouride mouthwash.
Peroxide Whitening mouthwashes may have peroxide in them. The level of peroxide in a mouthwash is safe but some people have teeth that are particularly sensitive to peroxide. If this is true of your teeth, talk to your dentist about other
teeth whitening treatments.
Instead of Guessing, Just Ask
Perhaps the best plan is to ask your dentist for a personal recommendation based on your teeth and specific needs.
Contact us today for an appointment. We're here to help.