Lifestyle
Is Mouthwash Good Or Bad?
Many things we have been told are good for our teeth and mouth that we take for granted are actually good for us. Mouthwash is one of those products. Is mouthwash good or bad? Let Get Freebies Today answer the question in this article.
1. Is mouthwash good or bad?
The answer is yes and no. Mouthwash, or mouth rinse, is known to keep your breath fresh and prevent the build-up of bacteria in between your teeth. Mouthwash is beneficial to oral health and hygiene. Fluoride is added to some mouthwashes to help prevent cavities and periodontal disease.
However, there are some disadvantages of this product, which can be mentioned as:
- Children are prone to inadvertently ingesting mouthwash, which can pose serious health risks.
- Mouthwash can cause damage to certain areas of the mouth. Mouthwashes with a high alcohol content can burn the mouth’s delicate mucus membranes.
- In some toothpaste and oral rinses, an ingredient called sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can create a “foaming” action in your mouth. If you are prone to developing canker sores, using a mouthwash that contains SLS might irritate canker sores.
- Mouthwash has the potential to stain and darken teeth. When the ingredient chlorhexidine gluconate, found in some mouthwashes, comes into contact with food additives left in the mouth, it can stain or darken the teeth.
2. Why Use Mouthwash?
Mouthwash promotes good oral health and hygiene. Fluoride is added to some mouthwashes to help prevent cavities and periodontal disease. On the other hand, antiseptic mouthwashes contain chlorhexidine gluconate, which inhibits bacterial growth and treats halitosis and infections.
Most dentists highly recommend using mouthwash with brushing and flossing in your morning and evening routines. Mouthwash may also be necessary for people with certain medical conditions such as tooth sensitivity, dry socket, and xerostomia (dry mouth).
Furthermore, mouthwash can reduce the risk of gingivitis (gum disease) and make teeth look visibly whiter. With regular use, mouthwash gives you a clean feeling in your mouth and reassures you that your breath is fresh.
3. What Kind of Mouthwash is Best?
There are different types of mouthwash on the market. Some are recommended for dry mouth, mouth sores, sensitive teeth, or dental surgery. We can help you evaluate your specific needs and recommend the top mouthwash for you.
There are different types of mouthwash on the market, and some are recommended for dry mouth, mouth sores, sensitive teeth, or dental surgery. We list the best kinds of mouthwash for your reference:
- Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic: The essential ingredients in Listerine Antiseptic have antimicrobial properties, making them very effective at reducing plaque, receding gums, gingivitis, and bad breath. Get free Listerine samples right now if you’re interested!
- Colgate Total Pro-Shield: This mouthwash is a great choice for killing the germs and bacteria that cause gingivitis. It eliminates germs for up to 12 hours, even after your meals.
- Crest Pro-Health: Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) is the active ingredient in this mouthwash. It is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that is effective against tooth decay, bad breath, and conditions such as bleeding gums and gingivitis.
- TheraBreath Fresh Breath: TheraBreath mouthwash is antibacterial and alcohol-free. It reduces sulfur-producing bacteria in the mouth, resulting in the elimination of severe bad breath for up to one day.
- CloSYS Ultra Sensitive: If you have sensitive teeth, this alcohol-free mouthwash is a nice choice. It is also great for eliminating bad breath.
- Peridex prescription mouthwash: Peridex is a prescription germicidal mouthwash for people with gingivitis and gum conditions, such as those that cause swelling, bleeding, and redness. It works by killing bacteria in the mouth.
- Chlorhexidine Gluconate Mouthwash: A prescription-only mouthwash that is proven to help with gingivitis, but it also has some potential side effects such as ulceration and tooth staining.
- Oasis Moisturizing Mouthwash: This mouthwash is an ideal option for those with xerostomia (dry mouth).
4. How to Use Mouthwash?
Depending on the mouthwash brand you use, the directions may vary. Always follow the directions on the package rather than what you read in an article.
The following are the basic instructions for most types of mouthwashes.
- Brush your teeth first: Begin by brushing and flossing your teeth thoroughly. After brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, wait a few minutes before using mouthwash. The concentrated fluoride in toothpaste may be washed away by mouthwash.
- Choose the amount of mouthwash as directed: Fill the cup provided with the product. Use only the mouthwash amount recommended by the manufacturer. It usually ranges between three and five teaspoons.
- Rinse your mouth: Gargle for 30 seconds, and remember not to swallow it. Mouthwash isn’t meant to be ingested, and it won’t work if you do so.
- Spit out: Spit out the mouthwash into the sink.
5. Alternative Dental Care to Using Mouthwash
There is a variety of natural dental care instead of using mouthwash. Here are some of them:
- Salt-water rinses
- Drinking more water
- Swishing with apple-cider vinegar
- Cinnamon chewing sticks
- Chew fennel, dill, or anise seed
- Eating more parsley
- Essential oils such as peppermint, clove, lemongrass, or orange.
Through the article, you already have the answer to the question: Is mouthwash good or bad? Overall, mouthwash is not bad for your health or harmful to use. You have the option of using mouthwash as part of a healthy oral hygiene routine or not using it at all.
If you have problems with bad breath, gum disease, or are simply interested in improving your dental health, you should consult your dentist before choosing any kind of mouthwash.