Does your mouth feel unclean despite your floss-and-brush routine? Do people shy away from you while you are talking to them?
These scenarios are common and even affects the best of us. There is a solution for this and it comes in the form of a mouthwash. Mouthwashes are necessary to avoid the build-up of various bacteria that are hiding in between the corners of your teeth. They even act as a good finishing routine for your daily oral care procedures.
Daily routines like flossing and brushing are important to keep your mouth and teeth healthy. Yet there are times when you can miss out on eliminating all of the germs residing inside your mouth. That’s where mouthwashes come in.
What is a Mouthwash?
A bottle of mouthwash has a particular amount of alcohol in its formula, hence the stinging sensation whenever you use it. It has to be gargled for about a minute after brushing your teeth and will take out the lingering germs inside the mouth and around your teeth.
Mouthwashes can prevent the build-up of plaque around the teeth, control bad breath, and resolve mouth infections. Modern oral care has greatly benefited from breakthroughs in dental science, hence the influx of the many different kinds of mouthwashes.
Some are targeted at a specific condition while others contained all the trimmings required for excellent oral care. Here are six different types of mouthwashes and how each of them can help you:
Antiseptic Mouthwash
- Recommended for people with bad breath and mouth infections.
- Contains chlorhexidine gluconate that prevents bacterial growth inside the mouth.
- Avoid excessive use of it as it can produce teeth discolouration with extended usage.
- Also helps to prevent plaque build-up when used during your floss-and-brush routine.
Cosmetic Mouthwash
- Recommended to people with bad breath.
- Do not contain tooth-decay fighting properties.
- Generally used for keeping your teeth clean and mouth fresh.
Fluoride Mouthwash
- Contains sodium fluoride which can fight against tooth decay and strengthen teeth.
- Fluoride can also be found in toothpastes and tap water which is why you should be cautious with your fluoride use.
Natural or Herbal Mouthwash
- Functions like regular mouthwashes but do not contain alcohol and fluoride.
- Similar to adding salt into warm water after having a tooth removed and gargling.
- This type is also great when you have an injury or infection in your mouth.
Total Care Mouthwash
- Total or complete care mouthwashes have antibacterial ingredients.
- Helps to reduce plaque build-up and prevent gum disease.
- Also helps in combating bad breath.
There is also another type called a magic mouthwash which sounds like exotic but they are actually mouthwashes prescribed by medical professionals for treating conditions like ulcers in your mouth because of cancer treatment.
And there you have it – the six different types of mouthwashes in the market. If you want a mouthwash but are not entirely sure what to get that will fit your needs, you can ask your dentist to recommend one.
However, if you have troublesome teeth that refused to be tempered with and treated by conventional brushing, flossing and gargling of mouthwash, then a visit to your dentist is necessary.