Mouthwashes or oral rinses may
- Cut down on gingivitis and gum disease
- Eliminate or mask bad breath
- Reduce the amount and speed of plaque formation
- Slow or prevent tooth decay
Look for a mouth rinse that bears the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance so you know that the product will do what the package advertising claims it will do.
You have several ingredient options when choosing an oral rinse
- Alcohol-free
- Antibacterial, which helps reduce bad breath, gingivitis, and plaque buildup
- Fluoride, which makes teeth more cavity-resistant
- Saline, which covers up bad breath
During your next checkup, ask us to recommend a product based on your oral health and desired outcomes.
We are often asked if there is a right time or a wrong time to use an oral rinse.
- Adults may use a mouth wash at any time.
- If you use a mouth wash after brushing and flossing, the liquid will rinse away any remaining debris.
- It should not be considered a substitute for your normal dental hygiene practices.
- Mouth washes are also not recommended for children under the age of six because you don’t want them to swallow the product.