Mouth rinses, also known as mouthwashes, are useful products to aid the elimination of bacteria in the mouth. They may not be a replacement for brushing and flossing, but they play a role in keeping the mouth healthy. Mouth rinses provide various benefits depending on the ingredients used to make them. They are not recommended for children below the age of 6 because they might accidentally swallow it. When ingested, they can lead to adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, and intoxication. To ensure that the mouth rinse is safe, the product label must be checked before use.
Different types of mouth rinses
There are two types of over-the-counter mouth rinses available for purchase: cosmetic and therapeutic. Here is the difference between the two:
Therapeutic mouth rinses have the purpose of aiding certain oral conditions. They have active ingredients used to treat complications like gingivitis, tooth decay, and bad bread. These mouth rinses are also designed to remove plaque from the surface of the teeth. Cosmetic mouth rinses, on the other hand, have no lasting benefits or active ingredients that target complications. They help with removing food debris and temporarily eliminate bacteria causing bad breath. Cosmetic rinses freshen up the mouth with a pleasant taste.
The conditions addressed by mouth rinses
- Some mouth rinses have ingredients that aid in teeth whitening. They contribute to staining reduction on the surface of the teeth. The active ingredients can be bleaching agents like carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide.
- The possibility of having a dry socket, a condition that may arise after extraction of teeth, can be reduced by using a chlorhexidine gluconate mouth rinse.
- The use of mouth rinse lessens the risk of developing tooth decay. Ingredients like fluoride promote the remineralization of the teeth.
- The antimicrobial ingredients in mouth rinses, combined with proper brushing and flossing, have been shown to remove plaque.
Mouth rinses are proven to be beneficial and impactful when it comes to oral health. Willing to find out more about them? Indian Hills Dentistry is ready to discuss how Mouth Rinses in Murfreesboro, TN can help cleanse the mouth and prevent oral health complications. We are located at 2850 S. Church Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37127. Call us to schedule an appointment.