The most common product used to assist your toothbrush in the battle with oral hygiene will be the mouth rinses. Being both antiseptic and anti-plaque mouth rinse claims to have the ability to kill germs causing plaque, bad breath, and gingivitis. The use of anti-cavity fluoride rinses aid in the prevention of tooth decay.
There are two separate categories of mouth rinses, which are cosmetic and therapeutic. While you are able to find those two in a combined form the most commonly used will be the cosmetic rinses. These rinses are over-the-counter (OTC) commercial brands that assist in the removal of debris both before and after brushing. As well those rinses diminish the bacteria while refreshing the breath with a nice clean taste. The other rinses have those same benefits but contain an added active ingredient to help with proper oral care. Therapeutic rinses can be sub-categorized into both anti-gingivitis or anti-plaque rinses, such as an anti-cavity fluoride rinse.
Your dentist will at times prescribe a special rinse for more severe oral problems, such as periodontal disease, xerostomia (dry mouth), gum inflammation, and even simple cavities. As well making the recommendation for use of the therapeutic rinses for the dental care of individuals who are limited in there ability to brush because of medical reasons or physical impairments.
Do I Use A Mouth Rinse Or Not?
Answering the question of should a mouth rinse be used, depends on your individual needs. Many dentists feel that the use of fluoride toothpaste alone will provide enough needed protection against cavities. However, some clinical studies show that anti-cavity rinses with fluoride to be able to fight more bacteria than toothpaste alone. Making the prevention of both cavities and bad breath an even easier task to accomplish. Initial studies have indicated that the products purchased OTC are not that much more effective against gum disease or plaque than the mere rinsing with water provides.
The vast majority of dentists remain skeptical as to the real value of these anti-plaque products. That skepticism results from the studies pointing towards only a small percent of effectiveness in the reduction of gingivitis. Thereby the mouth rinses can instead be harmful when they mask the symptoms of poor oral conditions or health.
So You Decide To Use A Mouth Rinse, Now How Should You Use It?
Your dentist will recommend that flossing and brushing should be properly done before using any mouth rinses. Then, correctly measure the amount specified both by your dentist and the product itself.
Keeping both your teeth slightly apart and your lips tightly closed, slosh the rinse around inside your mouth with as much force as possible. Some rinses suggest 30 seconds of swishing or more. Then completely spit the liquid from your mouth. Remember that your teeth need to be as clean as possible before any anti-cavity rinse, only then will your teeth have the ability to reap full benefit of the product. Once you have used one of the mouth rinses do not eat, smoke or drink for at least 30 minutes to prevent the dilution of the fluoride.
What possible side effects are involved in using a mouth rinse?
As with anything there are potential side effects, but they vary from rinse to rinse. Continual use of antiseptic mouthwashes containing large quantities of alcohol can result in a burning sensation in the gumline, teeth, and cheeks. Some of the more concentrated formulas have the potential to lead to root sensitivity, sodium retention, mouth ulcers, stains, numbness, changes in taste sensation, soreness and painful mucosal erosion. Those anti-cavity rinses usually contain a toxic substance, sodium fluoride if used excessively or even swallowed. With that in mind it is best to keep children away from those rinses that are harmful if swallowed, children have a tendency to swallow accidentally. In the event you experience any adverse or irritating reactions from using a mouth rinse, consult your dentist immediately and discontinue using the rinse.
