Choosing a Mouthwash That’s Right For You

While it shouldn’t replace brushing and flossing, our Columbus, OH, dentist does recommend using mouthwash to take your oral care routine up a notch. Mouthwash not only keeps your breath smelling fresh, but it can also prevent cavities and gum disease.

There are many types of mouthwashes available that all claim different things. Unfortunately, this can be overwhelming when you’re trying to figure out which one is the best. If you’re having trouble choosing a mouthwash that’s right for you and your oral health, then you’re in the right place!

Here are a few pointers when it comes to selecting a mouthwash for at-home use.

Most Mouthwashes Can Help Patients:

1. Who Are Prone to Cavities

If you tend to get cavities often, using a fluoride-containing mouthwash will be very helpful for you. Fluoride prevents tooth decay by strengthening your enamel. Using a fluoridated mouthwash usually isn’t necessary if you’re already using fluoride-containing toothpaste, but it doesn’t hurt to use both.

Fluoride mouthwash is especially helpful for people who suffer from xerostomia, or dry mouth. When you have dry mouth, you don’t have enough saliva to wash away food debris and acid, which can lead to tooth decay. Using a fluoride-containing mouthwash can help prevent decay from occurring by washing away those harmful foods and acids.

2. Suffer From Gum Disease

Anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis mouthwashes are designed to prevent and reduce tartar buildup and gum disease. This kind of mouthwash can reduce the bacteria that lead to plaque buildup and eventually gingivitis.

Again, mouthwash shouldn’t replace your current oral care routine, but it’s helpful for when you don’t do the best job brushing and flossing. Also, anti-plaque mouthwash can slowly freshen your breath over time by reducing the bacteria that cause halitosis, or bad breath. For advanced gum disease, Dr. Gibson can prescribe a stronger mouthwash for you.

3. Have Bad Breath

Many people use mouthwash solely for freshening up their breath. Cosmetic mouthwashes that are only for freshening breath don’t necessarily kill odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. Because this type of mouthwash only temporarily freshens your breath and doesn’t always kill oral bacteria, it doesn’t provide long-term benefits. If you’re just looking for fresher breath, you can use cosmetic mouthwash as a supplement to your oral care routine and professional teeth cleanings.

What to Keep in Mind If You Have Children

When there are smaller children in the home, it’s a good idea to go with an alcohol-free mouthwash. Mouthwash containing alcohol can be harmful if swallowed in large amounts, especially for children. Even if you already buy special mouthwash for your kids, you should still consider choosing an alcohol-free mouthwash just in case they go digging through your things.

Get Professional Advice

If you’re still not sure what kind of mouthwash to choose, feel free to talk to our dentist in Columbus, OH, as well as our team of dental hygienists. Our office is the best source for mouthwash recommendations since we know all about your oral health and history. Call Gibson Dental today at (614) 878-9562 today to request an appointment and speak about mouthwash options during a cleaning.

This blog has been updated.