Choosing the Right Mouthwash According to Your Needs

If your dentist has recommended you use a mouthwash, you may be overwhelmed with the many choices you have in the market. Every mouthwash comes with a different promise, such as “brightens teeth,” “prevents tooth decay,” or “keeps breath minty fresh. You may think they are all the same, pick your favorite flavor and exit the store. 

However, choosing a mouthwash requires more considerations than that. Before you go mouthwash shopping, ask yourself what your goals are– whether you need help with bad odor, sensitivity, or dry mouth. There is no “best” mouthwash– the best one for you depends on your needs. Consult with family dental care in Mitchell, SD, to get expert suggestions. 

Choosing the right mouthwash according to your needs 

• To kill bacteria. 

If you suffer from plaque formation, it may be due to excessive bacteria in your mouth. When food particles remain inside your mouth even after brushing and flossing, it can lead to plaque and tartar-causing bacteria. To combat this issue, you need an antiseptic mouthwash that contains Chlorhexidine gluconate. An antiseptic mouthwash can kill bacteria that cause bad breath and other infections. 

• To strengthen tooth enamel. 

If your primary reason to get a mouthwash is to strengthen your tooth enamel, the top layer of your teeth, then you should get a fluoride mouthwash. Fluoride is extremely important for dental health as it remineralizes your lost enamel. With a strong outer layer, your teeth will be more protected from tooth decay or cavities. However, be careful not to swallow the mouthwash because too much fluoride can be harmful to your body. 

• To combat dry mouth. 

If you struggle with a dry mouth problem, you must use an alcohol-free mouthwash. While most mouthwashes already contain alcohol, people who suffer from dry mouth due to certain diseases or taking certain medications should buy ones without alcohol. A dry mouth not only causes inconvenience while eating and swallowing but increases bacteria formation and worsens tooth decay. 

• To fight discoloration and stains. 

Like any regular mouthwash, a teeth whitening mouthwash can help you fight decay-causing bacteria and bad breath. But, there is an additional benefit of getting brighter teeth with a teeth-whitening mouthwash. 

These mouthwashes contain hydrogen peroxide, reducing the chances of stains, soothing sore throats, and preventing mouth ulcers. However, hydrogen peroxide should not be swallowed, so make sure you do not let your kid use it without supervision. 

These are some of the common types of mouthwashes found in the market. As you can see, they serve the common purpose of cleaning your mouth but have a special feature. You can choose one based on your needs. 

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Devin Hardy

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