Exploring the Benefits of Mouthwash in Cosmetic
Many people use mouthwash to freshen their breath and leave a minty taste in the mouth. However, these types of rinses only provide cosmetic benefits.
Therapeutic mouthwash contains ingredients that help control or reduce bad breath, gingivitis, plaque, and tooth decay. These rinses contain fluoride to strengthen enamel and peroxide to kill bacteria in the mouth.
Fresh Breath
Cosmetic dentistry in Pasadena involves dental treatments to enhance the appearance of teeth, gums, and smiles. Unlike traditional dentistry, which primarily focuses on oral health, preventive care, and treatment of dental diseases, cosmetic dentistry is more concerned with aesthetic enhancements. A fresh breath boost is one of the most obvious reasons to use mouthwash. While it can’t replace brushing and flossing in reducing bacteria that cause bad breath (halitosis), it can boost hygienic power to your daily routine, particularly by reaching places your toothbrush might miss.
Many mouthwashes contain chlorine dioxide, killing bacteria and oxidizing volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath. Some mouthwashes are alcohol-free, a good option for people who do not want to drink alcoholic mouthwash or who may have religious restrictions on alcohol consumption.
Some mouthwashes are cosmetic and address halitosis, while others are therapeutic and help prevent problems like gingivitis or tooth decay. Look for mouthwash that has received the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance, which verifies that the claims on the label have been scientifically verified.
Reduces Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the cementum and enamel, which protect the crowns of your teeth, are worn away by highly acidic foods and drinks like pickles, coffee, citrus fruits, soda, and candy. Brushing your teeth after consuming acidic items can worsen tooth sensitivity since it exposes your teeth to more acid.
A mouthwash for sensitive teeth can help to numb your nerves and create a protective barrier around your teeth. It can be used with toothpaste for sharp teeth or alone! A simple rinse of water and salt can also reduce tooth sensitivity by balancing the pH level inside your mouth and decreasing bacteria growth. Make sure to spit this rinse out, though! Too much salt can be harmful to your teeth and gums.
Helps Fight Bacteria
While brushing and flossing should always be the first step in your oral hygiene routine, mouthwash can help to complete the process. It can loosen bits of food stuck on teeth, reduce foul breath odors, and provide a refreshing taste.
Some types of mouthwash contain bacteria-killing ingredients, such as chlorhexidine or triclosan. These help reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth, preventing and treating gingivitis and other dental conditions.
Some mouthwashes can also be a good fluoride source, helping prevent cavities. Others may contain desensitizing agents that help to ease the discomfort associated with sensitive teeth and gum tissues. Some mouthwashes also have a naturally occurring ingredient known as eucalyptus oil, effectively killing bacteria without killing the beneficial bacteria in your mouth.
Fights Plaque and Gingivitis
An excellent antiseptic or anti-plaque mouth will kill germs that cause plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath. Some also contain abrasives that scrub off surface buildup on teeth.
Cosmetic mouthwash only freshens breath temporarily and cannot replace brushing and flossing as the best way to remove plaque from teeth. However, if you have chronic bad breath, talk to your dentist about any possible underlying oral or systemic health issues contributing to it.
Many over-the-counter types of mouthwash use alcohol to kill bacteria. Certain ingredients in mouthwash can irritate the soft tissues of the mouth and throat, cause changes in taste, staining of teeth, canker sores, a swollen tongue and throat, bad breath, and difficulty breathing for people with certain medical conditions. That’s why some mouthwashes are alcohol-free.
Prevents Cavities
Most conventional mouthwashes contain high percentages of alcohol, which causes dry mouth. It can lead to bad breath, sloughing off the skin inside the cheek and mouth, and interfere with remineralization. Many antiseptic mouthwashes also destroy all bacteria, including the good, which is counterproductive to oral health.
Therapeutic mouthwashes with antimicrobial agents, xylitol, or fluoride help reduce plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath. They can also treat patients with xerostomia due to medication, or other medical conditions, or those who cannot brush or floss regularly due to physical limitations. It’s important to note that mouthwash should not be used as a replacement for brushing or flossing, and following the instructions on the label is crucial. Regular dental visits are also vital. Your dentist can recommend additional products to boost your oral hygiene routine.