General Dentistry: Mouthwash Recommendations

General Dentist Miami, FL

One of the questions patients ask during a general dentistry visit is related to mouthwash usage. Patients sometimes want to know if they need a mouthwash or which is the best option to get. More and more people now use a form of mouthwash daily thanks to its oral health benefits. This article covers the most common mouthwashes available to help you choose.

Mouthwash recommendations

Common types of mouthwashes include:

Cosmetic mouthwashes

The American Dental Association highlights two types of mouthwashes: therapeutic and cosmetic mouthwashes. Cosmetic mouthwashes only make one’s breath fresher and serve no other purpose. Therapeutic mouthwashes include active medicinal elements that may contribute to a healthy oral cavity. The use of cosmetic mouthwashes for freshening the breath is not wrong, but they should never become an alternative to cleaning the teeth. They do not clean plaque from the tooth surfaces like brushing and flossing.

Antibacterial mouthwashes

People dealing with gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, and those prone to developing cavities can benefit from using antibacterial mouthwashes. Two major options are available for over-the-counter antibacterial mouthwashes: washes with antibacterial essential oils and those whose active ingredient is cetyl peridium chloride (CPC). Research has shown that both options effectively manage gum disease and prevent plaque accumulation on the mouth.

Unlike CPC mouthwashes that are water-based, most dental rinses with essential oils are alcohol-based. The alcohol content can contribute to dry mouth, so patients who suffer from dry mouth would be better off with a water-based mouthwash.

Fluoride mouthwashes

Patients who have a recurrent case of cavities can turn to regular use of fluoride mouth rinses. A fluoride rinse can complement fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the tooth enamel and fight tooth decay. Adults and children can use the rinse.

Whitening mouthwashes

Those who do not suffer from any oral condition that may need therapeutic mouthwashes can still get a whitening mouthwash. Whitening rinses have the same ingredient found in regular teeth whitening products, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, but in lower concentrations. Although the teeth will not whiten completely after a single-use, consistent use of these rinses may be a better alternative to other whitening solutions.

Mouthwashes for tooth sensitivity

Patients who battle tooth sensitivity can get some respite from the pain by using this mouthwash. The basis of the mouthwash’s function is the active ingredient that desensitizes the teeth nerves and extra ingredients that create a protective sheet of teeth tubules. The tooth tubules are tiny tunnels that run from the tooth’s surface to the sensitive pulp. The pulp is protected from materials that trigger sensitivity such as hot or cold items with the tubules covered.

Prescription mouthwashes

The general dentistry professional can prescribe advanced antibacterial mouthwash for patients with advanced gum disease (periodontitis) or other severe oral health issue resulting from oral bacteria. These rinses are usually only available by prescription alone.

In conclusion

When you are not sure of which mouthwash to get, this article can help you decide. For more information, reach out to the general dentistry office.

Request an appointment here: https://www.southfloridadentalarts.com or call South Florida Dental Arts at (305) 230-4041 for an appointment in our Miami office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Miami, FL.

Recent Posts

Getting The Most From Your General Dentistry Visit

One aim of general dentistry is to make the patient’s experience as positive as possible. A dentist who is good at their job will achieve this feat in two ways. First, they will use proactive, preventative measures that keep intensive procedures to a minimum. Second, the dentist will use every tool at their disposal to…

How A General Dentist Can Treat A Tooth Infection

Extreme tooth pain often leads to an appointment with a general dentist for an exam of the mouth to reveal the source of the problem. If a tooth infection is discovered, it is important to follow the advice of the dentist, as these do not go away on their own. A dentist may address the…

A General Dentist Discusses Essentials For Good Oral Health

Any general dentist knows that oral health is about more than just strong teeth. It is also a bellwether of overall physical health, which makes maintaining healthy teeth and gums a crucial part of any wellness routine. Showing up for cleanings twice a year is not enough to keep teeth and gums healthy. Patients should…

How Good Oral Health Can Improve Heart Health

A general dentist often focuses on the importance of oral hygiene and how it can help the overall health of patients. There are many patients who are unaware of the impact that oral health can have on the heart’s health. The following explains how poor oral hygiene may be connected to the development of heart…

Recent Posts

Benefits Of Professional Teeth Whitening Sessions

Benefits Of Professional Teeth Whitening Sessions

Professional teeth whitening sessions can get you the white set of teeth you have always wanted. It involves using products that contain whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen carbamide to oxidize stains and remove them. What is the difference between professional teeth whitening treatments and the countless products sold at drug stores, you ask?…

Can People With Tooth Decay Get Teeth Whitening Treatments

Can People With Tooth Decay Get Teeth Whitening Treatments

Tooth decay and teeth whitening treatments simply do not mix. The bleaching agents used for the treatment weaken enamel. That can lead to discomfort and damage to teeth structures if the patient has existing issues like cavities. If the patient’s teeth are healthy, the procedure only leads to temporary increased teeth sensitivity that should go…