Does your daily dental routine involve mouthwash? Dental Tribune International reports that using mouthwash can reduce plaque in your mouth by 26.3% and gingivitis by 20.4%. Those are some pretty encouraging numbers if you want to protect your smile from tooth decay and gum disease. But if you’re standing in front of seemingly endless rows full of colorful bottles, you may be asking yourself “What mouthwash should I use?” You have many different options with a variety of benefits, so read on as your Carlisle dentist helps you decide which one is best for you.
Fluoridated Mouthwash
Fluoride is a popular tool when it comes to fighting off cavities, which is why you’ll find it in most toothpastes and tap water systems. Although they’re not considered antibacterial, they do help your mouth fight against plaque by adding minerals to your enamel and strengthening it against decay. This mouthwash is especially helpful for those who are cavity prone.
Alcohol-Free Mouthwash
Mouthwashes with a high alcohol content do a great job of eradicating bacteria in your mouth. While this may be a helpful quick fix for bad breath, it also removes good bacteria, reduces your saliva, and can feel too intense for some people. Alcohol-free mouthwash may remove less bacteria from your mouth, but it does a better job of only removing the harmful bacteria. It also naturally encourages your mouth to produce saliva and doesn’t create an excessive burring feeling. This is the right choice for those with sensitive teeth or chronic dry mouth.
Antibacterial or Antiseptic Mouthwash
Some antibacterial or antiseptic mouthwashes are available as over-the-counter products. They’re generally used to treat oral health conditions like halitosis or gingivitis by getting rid of the harmful bacteria that causes them. In fact, antibacterial mouthwashes are able to kill off up to 75% of all the bacteria in your mouth. This drastic reset of the biome in your mouth could cause irritation or other complications, so it should only be used for a short time by those who need help combating their oral health issues.
Prescription Mouthwash
To treat some severe oral health conditions, your dentist may suggest a prescription-strength mouthwash. These antibacterial mouthwashes are much stronger than over-the-counter options and can only be prescribed by a health care professional. Not only to they have very strong bacteria fighting power, but they also contain compounds that treat the redness, swelling, and bleeding it can cause. Unfortunately, using this mouthwash may stain your teeth, but that’s a small price to pay if you’re treating a serious oral health condition such as periodontitis.
If you’re still unsure about which type of mouthwash to choose, talk to your dentist in Carlisle. They would be happy to recommend a mouthwash that will help you get the most out of your dental routine and keep your smile feeling fresh.
About the Practice
Our highly experienced team of dentists at Flenniken Family Dentistry in Carlisle, PA is passionate about helping you achieve optimal oral health that lasts a lifetime. Even though they’re proud to use state-of-the-art technology and the most advanced training, they understand how important a great daily dental care routine is. If you have any questions about what products your smile can benefit from the most, they can be contacted at our website or (717) 249-7777.
