What Does Mouthwash Really Do?

What Does Mouthwash Do?

Mouthwash, an antiseptic oral rinse solution, freshens bad breath, can help reduce plaque and gingivitis, as well as fight tooth decay and prevent cavities. Mouthwash can significantly improve your oral health when used as part of a complete dental hygiene routine. Regular mouthwashing with proper techniques can enhance your overall oral hygiene effectiveness. Mouthwashes containing fluoride can even help remineralize your teeth by restoring essential minerals to tooth enamel.

There's nothing quite like the feeling of rinsing with mouthwash. Gargling with a minty mouth rinse leaves your breath tingly and fresh, giving you a boost of confidence to start your day. 

Does mouth wash prevent cavities?

But, there are quite a few myths floating around about mouth wash. Our patients come to us with plenty of great questions: Do oral rinses actually prevent cavities and gum problems and gum disease? Should you use mouth wash, especially if you have sensitive teeth or a dry mouth? And, with so many plaque-busting and deep-whitening claims out there, what really is the best mouth wash to use to improve your oral health?

Well, we're glad you asked, because we're ready to air out the controversy on oral rinses. Below, we'll hash out their benefits and downfalls, recommend the best type of mouthwash for your specific oral health needs, and provide smart tips based on the latest dental science. 

Is mouthwash good for you? Mouth wash Pros and Cons

If you choose to mouth rinse with mouthwash, it should be the cherry on top of your daily dental routine. Brushing and flossing are the only way to completely remove particles and plaque from tooth surfaces and gumlines. But, when used correctly, a good mouthwash can bring next-level cleansing abilities, while amping up your oral health through its antibacterial and remineralizing properties. 

What are the benefits of mouthwash? 

Essential Facts About Mouthwash You Should Know

• Mouthwash contains special ingredients like cetylpyridinium chloride and essential oils that work together to kill bacteria living in your mouth and prevent bacterial reproduction.
• An oral rinse should be stored in a cool, dark place because bright light and heat can make it less effective at fighting germs by breaking down its active antimicrobial ingredients.
• Mouthwash has a carefully balanced pH level that helps it work effectively without damaging the natural balance of your mouth's microbiome.
• A mouth rinse typically stays fresh and effective for about 12 months after you first open the bottle, even if the expiration date is later, due to gradual breakdown of active ingredients.
• Mouthwash fights bacteria by breaking down their protective outer membrane or cell wall, which stops them from multiplying in your mouth and reduces colonies forming on teeth surfaces.
• An oral rinse can interact with certain medications by either making them less effective or increasing their effects in your body through altering absorption rates or chemical interactions.
• Mouthwash contains ingredients that eventually end up in our water systems, where they can affect aquatic plants and animals by disrupting their natural biochemical processes.
• A mouth rinse takes about 30 seconds to begin absorbing into your mouth's tissues, which is why dentists recommend gargling for this long to maximize its therapeutic benefits.
• Mouthwash works best when stored and used at room temperature because extreme temperatures can change how well it fights bacteria by altering its chemical composition.
• An oral rinse's effectiveness has been proven through many scientific studies that show it can reduce plaque by up to 25 percent when used correctly as part of a complete oral hygiene routine.

Understanding what does Listerine do and whether is Listerine good for your teeth are common questions among dental patients. The benefits of proper mouthwashing and mouth washing include:

1. Freshens bad breath: Your leftover lunch can fester in your mouth, leaving behind bacteria and less-than-pleasant odours. Therapeutic mouthwashes with antimicrobials, such as essential oils like thymol and eucalyptol, can go a long way toward eliminating those lingering scents by killing odor-causing bacteria. 
2. Can reduce plaque and gingivitis: When combined with regular brushing and flossing, good mouthwash can help flush away the pesky particles that lead to gum disease and gum problems. The antiseptic properties help kill bacteria in hard-to-reach places. Again, your best bet is to go with a therapeutic formula containing essential oils for maximum effectiveness. 
3. Fights cavities and tooth decay: In this case, fluoride is your friend. Mouthwashes with this mineral ingredient support remineralization and healthy teeth by strengthening tooth enamel against acid attacks. It's always smart to brush with a fluoride toothpaste, too, for comprehensive protection. 

What are the drawbacks of mouthwash? 

1. May only mask bad breath: A quick swig of mouthwash alone won't cure your coffee-breath woes. Consistent brushing and flossing are the only guarantee to great oral health by removing the source of odors. Plus, cosmetic mouth washes may only give you a temporary freshness boost without addressing underlying bacterial causes, so be sure to track down a good non alcohol based mouthwash with therapeutic properties.
2. Can be dehydrating: Suffer from dry mouth? Opt for an alcohol-free formula specifically designed for xerostomia. Otherwise, alcohol-containing mouthwash can reduce the production of saliva and worsen your condition by drying out oral tissues further.
3. May irritate canker sores: Again, too much alcohol can be painful for sensitive spots and open wounds in the mouth. Go for a good mouthwash with enzymes, cellulose or animal mucins, which will help promote moisture and healing without causing additional irritation.

Our Top Three Recommended Mouthwash & Mouth Rinse Products

With these tips in mind, what's the perfect mouthwash for you? Look for products with the Canadian Dental Association seal of approval, which validates oral health claims with scientific evidence and clinical testing. And, you can always ask our team at Lewis Estates Dental for advice if you're wondering what brand is right for your specific oral health needs. 

1. Listerine Zero: Reduces and prevents gingivitis and is good for your teeth through its alcohol-free formula with essential oils.

2. Listerine Anticavity Mouthwash: Protects against tooth decay through its fluoride-enriched formula that remineralizes weakened enamel.

3. TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse: Fights bad breath for 12+ hours with its oxygenating formula that neutralizes sulfur-producing bacteria.

Demystifying Mouth wash: Tips & Takeaways

• Can be diluted 1:1 with water if you have sensitivity or it feels too strong to reduce irritation while maintaining some therapeutic benefit.
• Beyond regular brushing and flossing, good mouthwash can round out your dental routine and deliver a slew of health benefits but is not a replacement for mechanical plaque removal.
• Should you rinse after using mouthwash? The short answer is no—we recommend steering clear of drinks and food for 30 minutes, or else you'll diminish the cleansing effects and reduce contact time with active ingredients.
• Fluoride can be toxic when swallowed in large amounts, so never consume oral rinses, and avoid giving them to children under the age of 6 who may not have developed proper spitting reflexes.

Looking for a family dentist, orthodontics or teeth cleaning and more in West Edmonton? Contact us or book online today.