If you don’t use mouthwash on a regular basis, you’re missing out on a vital component for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth. If you want to completely eliminate harmful bacteria that cause plaque and bad breath, then you need to use mouthwash. To learn more about the benefits of using a good rinse and which one is best for you, read on.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Each one of us has millions of bacteria living inside our mouth. Sometimes these bacteria work to help maintain the health of our mouth. Other types give us bad breath and cause tooth decay or gum disease. If you are experiencing persistent bad breath, it could be due to the number of gas-emitting bacteria that are collecting on your tongue and below the gum line. So how do you get rid of awful bacteria like this? Brushing and flossing help to remove these types of oral bacteria, but you also need to mouthwash to really target and remove it.
How Mouthwash Works
Mouthwash contains ingredients that kill bacteria and rinse away excess food debris that gets stuck in your teeth and beneath the gum line which causes bacteria growth. And depending on the type of mouth wash you buy, you can target specific oral issues beyond bad breath.
Different Types of Mouth Wash
There are two types of mouthwash that are made to combat bad breath and oral issues. Cosmetic mouthwash is designed to temporarily mask bad breath. If you’re looking to simply freshen your breath, this will give you better breath and a cleaner feel. If you have halitosis or oral health issues, then you might need a therapeutic mouthwash that contains ingredients that will kill bacteria and provide other benefits like plaque or inflammation reduction. Here are just a few therapeutic types of mouthwash that you can purchase:
Fluoride Based
This type of mouth wash contains sodium fluoride which helps to protect the teeth from cavities and tooth decay. It works by protecting your tooth from specific acids that produce plaque. When you use it, it penetrates the enamel of your teeth and helps to protect it from cavities.
Antiseptic
Antiseptic mouthwash contains alcohol which is designed to prohibit bacterial growth and eliminate halitosis. It also contains chlorhexidine gluconate which prevents further bacterial growth from occurring in the mouth. If used excessively, it can produce discoloration which can be easily fixed by your dentist.
Natural Types
Not all ingredients in mouthwash are safe for our environment and our bodies. Those looking for a more natural option can turn to brands that offer more natural ingredients and medicinal herbs. Many of these are alcohol and fluoride free as well as non-GMO, not tested on animals, and made with sustainable practices.
Total Care
You’ll also see another type of mouthwash available on the shelves, and that’s Total Care options. These contain vital ingredients that combat a number of things such as plaque build-up, bad breath, and gum disease.
If you’re not sure what mouthwash is the best for you, talk to your dentist. They will be able to prescribe a brand that fits your exact individual needs. Our team at Yazdani Dental have a wide range of knowledge in mouthwash brands and are happy to help you identify a brand that’s best for you.
