{"id":1938,"date":"2021-02-22T19:19:57","date_gmt":"2021-02-22T19:19:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thedentalexpress.com\/?p=1938"},"modified":"2024-03-07T01:23:22","modified_gmt":"2024-03-07T01:23:22","slug":"mouthwash-dental-health-must-have-or-menace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thedentalexpress.com\/dental-blog\/mouthwash-dental-health-must-have-or-menace\/","title":{"rendered":"Mouthwash: Dental Health Must-Have or Menace?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The pros and cons of adding mouthwash to your daily routine and how to pick the right one for your dental health<\/h2>\n

We\u2019re told a lot of things when we\u2019re young.<\/p>\n

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We\u2019re told that a magical fairy\u2013\u2013who\u2019s really obsessed with our teeth for some reason\u2013\u2013visits us in the night and rewards us with cash in exchange for lost teeth.<\/p>\n

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We\u2019re told a jolly old man with rosy cheeks and a bushy white beard stops by every house on the planet in just one night.<\/p>\n

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But we\u2019re also taught the importance of daily dental care. And chances are, when you were young, you learned that mouthwash should be a part of your oral health regimen.<\/p>\n

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But could this be another tall tale like the tooth fairy or Santa Claus, or is there some truth to it?<\/p>\n

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Do dentists actually recommend mouthwash? And if so, what kind?<\/p>\n

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This week, your friendly neighborhood San Diego dentist<\/strong><\/a> is here to rinse away the confusion and help you decide once and for all if mouthwash is right for you and your dental health.<\/p>\n

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Let\u2019s start with the different types of mouthwash.<\/p>\n

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Cosmetic vs. Therapeutic Mouthwash<\/h2>\n

Mouthwashes are divided into two main categories: cosmetic and therapeutic.<\/p>\n

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As their names suggest, cosmetic mouthwash is purely for bad breath, while therapeutic mouthwash can improve your dental health in a number of ways.<\/p>\n

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Cosmetic Dental<\/a> mouthwashes leave your breath smelling fresh and have a pleasant taste, but they don\u2019t have any healing or cavity-fighting effects.<\/p>\n

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Therapeutic mouthwashes contain ingredients like essential oils, peroxide, cetylpyridinium chloride (a breath-freshening antiseptic), and fluoride<\/strong><\/a> that actively fight oral health issues and help with bad breath.<\/p>\n

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In the war against bad breath, we recommend using a therapeutic mouthwash with the right ingredients and a taste you enjoy. If you\u2019re going to use mouthwash, you might as well get the cavity and plaque-reducing benefits, right?<\/p>\n

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What are the Pros of Using Mouthwash?<\/h2>\n

Aside from fresh breath, mouthwash provides several dental health-boosting benefits.<\/p>\n

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Hit Those Hard-to-Reach Areas<\/h3>\n

When you brush your teeth, odds are you don\u2019t clean your cheeks and the back of your mouth.<\/p>\n

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It\u2019s safe to say that most people stick to their teeth and tongue when they do their daily dental health routine, and this is totally normal!<\/p>\n

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The great thing about mouthwash is that it reaches all the areas your brush doesn\u2019t cover. See, oral bacteria doesn\u2019t just hang out on your teeth. It can build up on your cheeks, tonsils, and the back of your throat too.<\/p>\n

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Daily rinsing with mouthwash can cleanse these areas and keep your mouth healthy.<\/p>\n

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Fight Off Tooth Decay & Gum Disease<\/h3>\n

Thanks to the ingredients we discussed above, therapeutic mouthwashes provide extra protection from tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease and slow the formation of tartar (hardened plaque).<\/p>\n

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The fluoride in mouthwash formulas strengthens your enamel to protect your teeth from breakdown, while the essential oils stave off decay-causing plaque and gingivitis. A recent study by the Dental Clinics of North America<\/strong><\/a> reported that both essential oils and chlorhexidine had a \u201clarge effect\u201d on plaque and gingivitis control \u201csupported by a strong body of evidence.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Chlorhexidine is an ingredient used in prescription mouthwashes that\u2019s well-known for its antimicrobial properties. Although you won\u2019t find this chemical in over-the-counter formulas, your dentist may prescribe you some following certain treatments to help with the healing process.<\/p>\n

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Relieve Pain from Oral Issues<\/h3>\n

Certain mouthwashes include topical local anesthetics like lidocaine or benzocaine that can alleviate pain from mouth sores and ulcers.<\/p>\n

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Whiten & Brighten Up Your Smile<\/h3>\n

With consistent use, the peroxide contained in therapeutic mouthwashes can help remove stains and whiten your teeth. In combination with daily brushing and flossing, the right mouthwash can preserve your oral health and give you a brighter smile.<\/p>\n

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But there\u2019s got to be a catch, right?<\/p>\n

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What are the Cons?<\/h2>\n

Alcohol & Dry Mouth<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019ve used mouthwash before, you\u2019re probably familiar with that intense burning sensation that feels like someone lit a campfire in your mouth.<\/p>\n

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As you may know, that uncomfortable feeling comes from the alcohol used in many popular mouthwash formulas.<\/p>\n

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Alcohol does an excellent job of getting rid of bacteria, but it\u2019s not very good at distinguishing between good and bad bacteria. So, for the number of harmful germs it eliminates, it takes just as many good germs with it, and it can dry out your mouth in the process.<\/p>\n

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Without as much saliva to balance the pH levels in your mouth and strengthen your teeth, you could be fostering the very issues you\u2019re trying to fight! For more on how vital saliva is to your dental health, check out this article on genetics and dental health<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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With this in mind, look for alcohol-free options next time you go shopping for mouthwash.<\/p>\n

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Chlorhexidine & Unwanted Stains<\/h3>\n

With extended use, there\u2019s a chance chlorhexidine can cause unwanted stains on your teeth. That\u2019s why dentists typically prescribe these special mouthwashes for a limited amount of time.<\/p>\n

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If your dentist sends you home with chlorhexidine, don\u2019t worry. Just be sure to follow their instructions to the letter, and your smile should be perfectly fine.<\/p>\n

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Mouthwash Tips & Recommendations<\/h2>\n

When picking out a mouthwash for yourself, use this list of tips and ingredients as a guide:<\/p>\n