Mouth Rinse
Mouth rinse can be helpful when used along with daily brushing and flossing. Each
person's situation is unique. So ask your dentist if they advise mouth rinse and what
type you should use.
Benefits of mouth rinse
Mouth rinse can help:
What are the different types of mouthwash?
The FDA classifies mouth rinses as either cosmetic or therapeutic, or a combination
of both.
|
Cosmetic rinses
|
-
Sold as over-the-counter products
-
Help remove oral debris before or after brushing
-
Temporarily hide bad breath
-
Don't lower your risk for gum disease or cavities
|
|
Therapeutic rinses
|
-
May be sold as prescription or over- the- counter
-
Help remove oral debris before or after brushing
-
Use active ingredients to kill bacteria and reduce plaque, bad breath, cavities, and
gingivitis. Active ingredients may include fluoride, peroxide, essential oils, chlorhexidine,
and cetylpyridinium chloride. Be sure to read the labels on mouth rinse to know what
active ingredient is in the product and what benefits it provides.
|
Important safety tips
-
Rinses of any kind should not be a substitute for regular dental exams and correct home
care.
-
Some mouth rinses contain high levels of alcohol. This may cause a burning sensation
in the cheeks, tongue, and gums. Or may cause intoxication if swallowed or used too
much. For children, even small doses of these over-the-counter rinses could cause
death.
-
Mouth rinse isn't advised for children ages 6 or younger. They may swallow the rinse
by mistake. This could cause nausea, vomiting, or intoxication.
-
If you have a prescription mouth rinse, use it as directed by your healthcare provider.
When to call your healthcare provider
Some symptoms may mean that you have a dental problem that mouth rinse can't fix.
Contact your dentist if you have:
-
Bad breath that doesn't go away
-
Sore or bleeding gums
-
Pain
-
Trouble chewing or swallowing
-
Loose or sensitive teeth
-
White or red patch in your mouth
-
A sore in the mouth that doesn't go away