When we were young we were told to brush our teeth at night before bed. Then, some time in our adult lives we started hearing that we should brush our teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time and also incorporate dental floss into our daily oral hygiene routine. The American Dental Association revealed that only 4 in 10 Americans report flossing every day and dentists believe that number may be inflated.1 Americans also aren’t very good at brushing twice daily for the required two minutes.
In the past few years, dental practices have started recommending that daily oral rinses be added to oral health routines.
To successfully incorporate this new habit, it helps to be knowledgeable about what oral rinses are and why they are important.
What is an oral rinse?
An oral rinse, also referred to as mouthrinse or mouthwash, is a liquid that you put into your mouth which coats your entire mouth including your teeth, gums and tongue. You can buy them at the store or you can get them though a prescription from your dentist.
Consumers have used mouthwashes for years to mask bad breath. Many of these mouthwashes contain alcohol, specifically ethanol, which most people incorrectly believe is put in the mouthwash to kill odor-causing and decay-causing bacteria. Listerine products can contain alcohol as an inactive ingredient and the company reports that alcohol “acts as a solvent to help solubilize the ingredients” and also “acts as a vehicle for delivering the active ingredients so they better penetrate the plaque biofilm or bacterial communities”.2
An oral rinse can still be effective even if it doesn’t contain alcohol. Colgate lists the benefits of using non-alcohol mouthwash as 1) a way to avoid uncomfortable burning in your mouth; 2) a way to minimize dry mouth caused by the alcohol inhibiting your saliva production; 3) a way to keep your composite restorations from being affected by alcohol which can cause changes in color, hardness and wear; and, 4) protect vulnerable populations such as children, teens and those recovering from alcohol and substance abuse.3
What are the benefits?
Depending on the type oral rinse chosen, oral rinses can provide therapeutic benefits.4 An oral rinse that contains fluoride will help strengthen enamel and fight decay and cavities. Using a fluoride rinse is especially important for those who do not get fluoride in their drinking water, such as people who get their water from private wells.
Those with gum disease should choose an oral rinse containing chlorhexidine gluconate as it reduces plaque and helps control gingivitis. Another plaque reducer to look for is cetylpyridinium chloride, which is an antiseptic which kills the bacteria and microorganisms that cause plaque and bad breath.
If you are looking to whiten your teeth choose a rinse with carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. For the most effective products, look for oral rinses which have achieved the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance5 in the category where you have the most pressing issues, e.g., fluoride mouthrinses, plaque/gingivitis control, oral malodor control, etc.
Is it for children?
The ADA does not recommend mouthwash be used by children under six years of age as they may swallow the mouthrinse, which can lead to nausea, vomiting, and even intoxication.6 Even if your child is over six, if all their teeth haven’t emerged and they are swallowing large amounts of fluoride mouthrinse or fluoride toothpaste they can develop a condition called fluorosis which could result in white streaks on the teeth. The condition is cosmetic only and doesn’t affect your child’s teeth or their health.
How to properly use an oral rinse
Knowing how to correctly use an oral rinse is also important in order to get the best therapeutic results. Follow the label directions or the directions provided by your dental professional. Generally you should use the mouthrinse after you brush and floss. ACT Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash, an ADA approved mouthrinse, which strengthens teeth, helps prevent cavities and freshens breath has a built-in dosage cup to help consumers get the right dose each time. ACT recommends swishing the mouthrinse between your teeth for a minute, spitting it out and not eating or drinking for 30 minutes after using the mouthrinse.
Choosing the correct mouthrinse for your specific needs can be confusing, so it is best to consult with your dentist or dental professional to get their recommendation on the right product and how often to use the product. They can also provide assistance in how to correctly use the product. While you may not see results immediately, as is the case with whitening mouthrinses, over time your hard work will reflect in healthier teeth and better dental check-ups.
Sedki Dentistry in Commerce wants you to love your smile and keep it for life. Dr Sedki specializes in all areas of dentistry including cosmetic dentistry, the latest in dental treatments, children’s dentistry, gum rejuvenation and more. For tips on healthy oral health daily habits and routines, our knowledgeable and experienced dental staff can help. Call to schedule a Free Dental consultation at our Commerce area dental office!
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1 Are You Flossing or Just Lying About Flossing? The Dentist Knows by Jessie Rack, 6/24/2015
Link: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/06/24/417184367/are-you-flossing-or-just-lying-about-flossing-the-dentist-knows
2 The Role of Alcohol in Mouthwashes and Rinses
Link: https://www.listerineprofessional.com/the-science-of-listerine/evidence-of-safety/role-of-alcohol
3,4 The Benefits of Alcohol-Free Mouthwash
Link: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/selecting-dental-products/benefits-of-alcohol-free-mouthwash
5 ADA Seal of Acceptance – Fluoride Mouthrinses
Link: https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/ada-seal-of-acceptance/product-search#sort=%40productname%20ascending&f:@category=[Fluoride%20Mouthrinses]
6 What Parents Should Know About Mouthwash for Children
Link: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/kids-oral-care/what-parents-should-know-about-mouthwash-for-children