You\u2019ve got lots of choices if you\u2019re looking for a way to freshen your breath. But if you want to do something healthy for your teeth and gums too, try and make mouth rinsing part of your daily routine.\u201dToday mouthwashes are not just perfumes for the breath,\u201d says Mark Wolff, DDS, PhD, chair of cariology and comprehensive care at New York University College of Dentistry. \u201cThey can also help reduce gingivitis [gum disease], tooth decay, tartar and plaque, and they can whiten.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing and flossing. But if you have trouble doing those correctly, rinsing can aid in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Fluoride rinses help prevent tooth decay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMouthwashes, when added to a good home care regimen of brushing and flossing, can target a condition that you are facing,\u201d Wolff says. \u201cYou don\u2019t swish for 2 minutes with a whitening mouthwash and suddenly have white teeth. But if you brush well and keep the plaque off of them and use that mouthwash as part of the package, you do get whiter teeth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A mouth rinse won\u2019t cure serious problems, though. If you have regular bleeding of your gums or consistently bad breath, for example, make sure to see your dentist. They might prescribe a mouthwash that\u2019s stronger than the kind you buy over the counter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read the labels carefully on over-the-counter types. Ingredients \u2014 and the benefits they provide \u2014 vary by brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They usually include one or more of these:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fluoride.<\/strong> It helps reduce tooth decay and prevent cavities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Antimicrobials.<\/strong> They kill the bacteria that cause certain dental issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Astringent salt.<\/strong> It\u2019s a type of deodorizer that can temporarily cover up bad breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Odour neutralizers<\/strong>. They can attack the cause of bad breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whiteners, such as peroxide.<\/strong> They can help against stains on your teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s sometimes hard to find one product that ticks all the boxes. \u201cSelect a mouthwash based on the largest condition that you need to treat,\u201d Wolff says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each product has its own instructions, but here are some tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When should I swish with mouthwash?<\/strong> It doesn\u2019t matter if you do it before you brush and floss or after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How long should I swish?<\/strong> Do it for 30 to 60 seconds. Less than half a minute probably won\u2019t do much. And more than a minute is more than enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When will I see results?<\/strong> Be patient. If your mouthwash promises to whiten teeth or help against bleeding gums, it might take a few weeks to deliver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sources<\/strong> You\u2019ve got lots of choices if you\u2019re looking for a way to freshen your breath. But if you want to do something healthy for your teeth and gums too, try and make mouth rinsing part of your daily routine.\u201dToday mouthwashes are not just perfumes for the breath,\u201d says Mark Wolff, DDS, PhD, chair of cariology and comprehensive care at New … <\/p>\nHow Do I Choose a Mouthwash?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s the Best Technique for Mouth Rinsing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Mark Wolff, DDS, PhD, Chair of Cariology and Comprehensive Care, New York University School of Dentistry.
Judith A. Jones, DDS, MPH, DScD, professor, director, Center for Clinical Research,
Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.
American Dental Association: \u201cLearn more about mouthrinses.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"