Mouthwash has been a topic of discussion for many people in the oral health community as well as their patients. Is it good? Is it bad? Does it make a difference? Anyone who has looked for mouthwash at the store knows that there are so many different formulas to choose from. A Newport Beach dentist explains that the ingredients that make up these rinses are very important indicators of their ability to actually promote oral health. Just because a mouthwash gives you minty-fresh breath, does not mean it is necessarily cleaning your mouth. 

Research finds that a little above sixty percent of people in America use at least one kind of dental rinse per day. There are, after all, benefits to rinsing with quality mouthwashes and your Newport Beach dentist will help you find the one that is right for you. 

There are two basic categories of mouthwash recognized by the American Dental Association. They are as follows: cosmetic mouthwashes and therapeutic mouthwashes. The first is like a breath mint or stick of gum, it only serves to give you fresher breath. These are the kinds of mouthwashes you find in nice public bathrooms and in many households. Many people only know this kind of mouthwash. The second category describes mouthwash with active ingredients to strengthen oral health. There are various kinds of therapeutic mouthwashes that target different problem areas in the mouth.

So, now that you understand the difference between these two categories, let us delve into more specific, ingredient-driven distinctions that make mouthwashes beneficial for many people. 


Antibacterial Rinses

Mouthwashes with antibacterial properties are especially helpful for people with gingivitis and people who are naturally more susceptible to cavities. Over-the-counter antibacterial rinses can be distinguished by two different ingredients: cetylpyridinium chloride (otherwise known as CPC) and essential oils that kill bacteria. Both kinds are successful at actively battling plaque and minimizing the effect of gingivitis. 

When evaluating different mouthwashes, be sure to choose a water-based solution over an alcohol-based solution. This is especially important for people that experience dry mouth.


Fluoride Rinses

Fluoride is a very important ingredient for people that want to protect their enamel and fight off decay. These kinds of mouthwashes are also recommended for people that naturally develop more cavities. Fluoride rinses are a standard therapeutic mouthwash that many dentists recommend for adults and children over 6. 


Tooth Sensitivity Rinses

Many people with sensitive teeth have a hard time with hot or cold food. A mouthwash that targets tooth sensitivity will likely contain an active ingredient that desensitizes your nerves and creates a protective coating over teeth tubules. There are many different types of tooth sensitivity rinses but they all pretty much achieve the same goal, which is to lessen the effect of uncomfortable sensations in the mouth.


Whitening Rinses

A whiter smile is something that many people strive to achieve. It can be difficult to maintain pearly teeth as we age and consume more staining beverages and foods. However, there are mouthwashes that can help! Whitening rinses utilize ingredients like carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide in small concentrations.  

These kinds of mouthwashes will not work overnight and will not guarantee drastic changes. However, they can be useful in tandem with other whitening treatments to encourage progress.


Prescription Rinses

In the case of someone with a serious gum disease condition or another extreme oral health issue, your dentist may prescribe a more intense mouthwash for killing bacteria. These prescription mouthwashes will vary depending on the degree of severity and the condition that needs to be targeted. 

These are just some of the mouthwashes that exist to strengthen your oral health routine. Consider adding one to your oral hygiene practice and notice if it makes a difference to your overall health. While many types of mouthwashes can be beneficial, it is important that you do not use them as a substitute for regular teeth brushing and flossing. 
If you are still unsure about which mouthwash you should use for your oral care routine, schedule an appointment with a Newport Beach dentist and ask for their recommendation. They can let you know if you need a prescription rinse or if an over-the-counter mouthwash will work fine.