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Choosing a mouthwash or rinse for you and your family depends on if your goals are therapeutic or cosmetic. Photo: iStock
Visit any oral health aisle of your local grocery store or pharmacy and it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the amount of mouthwash and rinse products on the shelves. They come in different sizes, with lots of scientific-sounding words on the labels, leaving consumers to wonder which is the right choice for them.
Choosing a mouthwash or rinse for you and your family depends on if your goals are therapeutic or cosmetic.
Trying to make your breath smell better temporarily or leave a minty-fresh taste in your mouth — then cosmetic mouthwashes are for you.
Want to help control or reduce conditions like bad breath, gingivitis, plaque or tooth decay? Then therapeutic rinses are your best bet.
Oral rinses can help keep your mouth healthy, but they aren’t magic and should be used with regular oral hygiene practices: brushing twice a day, flossing daily and completing regular dental checkups. Mouthwash or rinse should be complementary to your oral health routine. It is also important to not use mouthwashes or rinses immediately after brushing your teeth as it may wash away the beneficial residue left from your toothpaste.
How do you tell if your mouth rinse is therapeutic or cosmetic?
Therapeutic mouth rinses are available over the counter and by prescription, depending on their ingredients.
Over-the-counter versions can help prevent cavities, gingivitis and plaque, kill bacteria and may contain fluoride to help protect teeth.
Prescription versions typically use an antiseptic called chlorhexidine. They are more potent and may kill bacteria, reduce inflammation and improve overall oral health. The user should know that there are some studies that have shown prolonged use of mouth rinses containing chlorhexidine may result in side effects that include poor taste, teeth staining, sore mouth, throat and tongue irritation along with shortness of breath.
According to some studies, healthy people should not use therapeutic — or antimicrobial — mouth rinses frequently because it could impact overall systemic health. It’s important to talk to your dentist before purchasing therapeutic rinses at the store.
Alternately, while cosmetic mouthwashes are not a healing agent, they can be used more frequently to rinse out your mouth, temporarily give you good breath and leave a pleasing aftertaste. However, most cosmetic mouthwash products include alcohol which, if used too much, can lead to issues with dry mouth.
Should you or should you not use mouthwash? That is the question
The short answer is that yes, mouthwash has benefits: a pleasant taste in your mouth, fresh breath and a quick “cleaning” of your teeth. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Children ages 6 and younger should not use mouthwashes unless directed by their dentist, as their swallowing mechanisms may not be fully developed, and they may inadvertently ingest large amounts of the liquid. This can lead to nausea, vomiting and intoxication. Check the label for specific age recommendations.
- Prescription-based mouthwashes should be used as directed by your dentist and all others should be as directed by the label.
- If you miss a dose — whether prescribed or not — take one as quickly as possible, but there is no benefit to doubling the amount.
Ultimately, unless it’s prescribed by a dentist, mouthwashes are only as good as the rest of your oral health regimen.
How often should you use mouthwashes and rinses?
Cosmetic mouthwashes and over-the-counter therapeutic rinses can be used up to two times a day but should not be used directly after brushing your teeth.
Instead, think about using it after lunch or dinner to help wash away excess food from your teeth and to help provide some protection until you next brush your teeth.
For prescribed rinses, follow the directions from your dentist on how often to use them.
Are the labels on rinses fact or fiction?
Many labels on cosmetic mouthwashes claim lots of benefits, including that they can fix oral health issues.
These claims should be treated with caution as most studies show the actual health benefits of cosmetic mouthwashes are minimal beyond a quick fix to the smell and taste of your mouth.
According to the American Dental Association, cosmetic mouthwashes have no chemical or biological application beyond their temporary benefit. The easiest way for a consumer to determine if a product is cosmetic or not is if it contains an antiseptic. For example, if a product doesn’t kill bacteria associated with bad breath, then its benefit is solely cosmetic. The ADA also offers a seal of acceptance on products from companies which provide data demonstrating a product is safe and effective for the purpose claimed.
More information about oral health can be found on Delta Dental of Washington’s blog.
