Not All Mouthwashes Are Created Equal
Mouthwash and mouth rinse are essentially the same thing, but you should know what they do to make sure that you choose the right one. There are three basic kinds of mouthwash on the market:
- Fluoride mouthwash. Fluoride is the main building block for strong tooth enamel. Though most people get all the fluoride they need in their regular toothpaste, some need extra, such as those who have an excessively dry mouth, or are prone to cavities.
- Fresh-breath mouthwash. These can give you a temporary breath-freshening effect, but you don’t get any long-term benefits. There are some mouthwashes that can kill bacteria that causes stinky breath odors, but they will grow back eventually so you’ll need to keep up on use.
- Anti-plaque or anti-gingivitis mouthwash. This is a popular type of mouthwash that has long-term benefits when added as a part of your daily brushing and flossing routine. Certain bacteria that can cause gum disease are eradicated with the right rinse, so be sure to look for one that is certified by the American Dental Association (ADA).
Products That Contain Alcohol
Do you want mouthwash with or without alcohol? Many mouthwashes and mouth rinses contain it, but some do not. This is something to consider as an alcohol-based mouthwash will often have a bit of an intensity that can feel like a slight burn if you have sensitive teeth, gums, or palate. Plus, if you have small children or teenagers, you might want an alcohol-free product for your home as swallowing an alcohol wash in large quantities can be problematic.
What’s On The Market
Knowing what you need can go a long way toward making the right choice. But with so many mouthwashes on the market, how do you know which one to choose? Here are a few that have great benefits and are fully approved by the ADA.
- Thera Breath Oral Rinse. This product is for those who want fresh breath without alcohol that also works against dry mouth. It is vegan, gluten-free, and kosher and is one of the bestselling mouthwashes out there.
- Listerine. Just about everyone has seen this one and it has been widely recommended by dentists for years. It has an intense flavor and uses menthol and eucalyptus to kill bad-breath germs for up to 12-hours.
- Biotene. This is the number-one seller for dry mouth symptoms. Dry mouth can cause tooth decay, bad breath, and gum irritation. This will keep your mouth moist, fresh, and comfortable without irritating ingredients.
- ACT Restoring Mouthwash. A fluoride mouthwash that works for everyone; even those with sensitive teeth and gums. It prevents tooth decay, strengthens enamel, soothes gums, and freshens breath.
No matter what mouthwash you choose, be sure that you use it regularly to get the maximum benefits. And see your dentist regularly for clean, healthy teeth that will keep your breath fresh no matter what brand of wash you use.