What you need to know about mouthwash

During her most recent visit, a longtime patient of Huszti Dental Care said to us: “What can you tell me about mouthwash? I went to the store to buy one and there were so many different options, I gave up after about 20 minutes. What do you suggest?”

We are glad she asked.

First off, you should know that, in terms of over-the-counter products, the term “mouthwash” and “mouthrinse” are used interchangably. So don’t let that confuse you.

These products promise everything from fresher breath to tartar control to whiter teeth to gingivitis and cavity control. Anyone can make these claims, but look for the products with the ADA seal of approval, because that means the products have proven — with data provided to the American Dental Association — that their claims are true. If you start here, you really can’t go wrong.

From there, it’s all about what you, with advice from our friendly staff, might want as a result. If you are concerned about cavities, choose one with fluoride. If it says it has antimicrobials, that means it will kill the bacteria in the mouth that causes plaque, givgivitis and bad breath. If it’s whiter teeth you’re after, a mouthwash with peroxide might do the trick. Pro tip: After talking it over with us, choose a product that addresses your biggest concern. That will eliminate a lot of choices and put you on the best path to finding the right one for you.

Here are some other things you may want to know about mouthwashes.

They are not always necessary. Proper brushing and flossing might be all you need to keep your pearly whites strong and healthy.

Some mouthwashes are merely cosmetic. Fresh breath is the only benefit of these types of mouthwash, and even that is temporary.

To benefit you the most use a mouthwash after you brush and floss. You can use it once a day or twice, but not more than twice a day.

Don’t use too much each time. You want to be able to swish it around without gagging. And speaking of swishing, plan to do that for between 30 and 60 seconds for best results.

Be consistent. You won’t see results — like whiter teeth or less-tender gums — if you aren’t as strict as you are about brushing. These products need time to do what they promise.

Sometimes the doctors at Huszti Dental Care might prescribe a mouthwash for you. This is usually a short term solution for after surgery when brushing and flossing tender gums is difficult. They may also suggest a prescription-strength mouthwash to address specific issues on a temporary or longer-term basis.

And the most important thing to know about mouthwashes is that they do not take the place of brushing and flossing. They are used in addition to brushing and flossing.

So next time you visit our Milford Road office, ask if a regular mouthwash is right for you.