Mouthwash: The Finishing Touch of Your Hygiene Routine

Mouthwash is an oral rinse that is a common & recommended supplement to one’s oral health routine. It is typically used after brushing & flossing, but it is notably not an alternative to either.

Mouthwash contains a base of water, alcohol & flavoring agents, but the included active ingredients vary depending on the type. There are antimicrobial agents for reducing plaque & gingivitis, fluoride for fighting tooth decay & astringent salts for combating bad breath.

Types of Mouthwash

There are two main types of mouthwash: cosmetic & therapeutic. 

A mouthwash is classified as cosmetic if its ingredients do not kill germs. Its main purpose is commonly to dispel bad breath & leave a pleasant taste behind, but given that none of the germs causing bad breath are killed, the effect is temporary. 

On the other hand, therapeutic mouthwash contains active ingredients that are designed to improve overall dental health by not only fighting bad breath but also reducing plaque & preventing gingivitis. If it includes fluoride, it also helps prevent tooth decay. 

Though not made specifically for it, mouthwash has also been found to be a successful tool in preventing & treating mouth ulcers such as canker sores.

How to Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash is meant as a final comprehensive cleansing of your mouth surface area— seeking to target bacteria in areas that your toothbrush & floss may have missed. 

To start, pour approximately 20 milliliters (or 4 teaspoons) of mouthwash into a cup. Many mouthwash containers come with a lid that can be used for this. 

Proceed to empty the cup into your mouth & swish the contents inside your mouth for at least 30 seconds. Do not swallow! Be thorough with your swishing, ensuring you reach as many crevices as you can, including between your teeth & over & under your tongue.

After 30 seconds, spit out the contents into your sink. You’re done! Do not rinse your mouth with water— you want the active ingredients to be able to linger. 

Note: Mouthwash is not recommended for children under the age of 6 due to the potential of accidental swallowing. 

Takeaway

Mouthwash is not hogwash! It is a great finishing touch to an oral routine that can help keep your teeth & gums healthy. Depending on your needs, there are different types to focus on mitigating different oral issues.

If you’re unsure which is best for you, ask your dentist! But also, similar to how mouthwash is no substitute for brushing & flossing, it is important to continue going to your dentist for a routine professional cleaning every 6-12 months.  

Sources:

https://web.archive.org/web/20141011031124/http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance/product-category-information/mouthrinses

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/mouthwash/

https://www.ada.org/en/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/mouthrinse-mouthwash

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/fluoride/

https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/how-to-get-rid-of-canker-sores#otc-treatment
https://www.listerine.com/mouth-coach/rinsing-guide