Which Mouthwash Should You Use?

There are different types of mouthwash available in the market today; breath-freshener, antibacterial, fluoridated, etc. The big question is, which one should you be using? Here are some tips on choosing the right type of mouthwash for you and your family:

 

For Bad Breath or Gum Disease Concerns

If this is the case, a mouthwash with an antibacterial formula is the best one to use. This type of mouthwash fights bad breath, gingivitis and plaque. Products that contain eucalyptol, thymol, menthol, and methyl salicylate are over-the-counter antibacterial mouthwashes that are effective in reducing plaque and gum disease. Antibacterial formulas are said to reduce bacteria counts in the mouth by an average of 75 percent.

 

 

 

For Bad Breath Concerns

For those whose only concern would be bad breath but not necessarily gum disease or tooth decay, breath-freshening mouthwash is the best option as this neutralizes odours. Studies show that zinc and chlorine, the primary ingredients in these rinses, defuse foul-smelling sulphur compounds that are produced by bacteria. Other products contain a germicide called cetylpyridinium – this has anti-gingivitis (gum disease-fighting), and antiplaque benefits. Breath-freshening mouthwashes are known to be easier on the taste buds since they have lower alcohol contents. However, these rinses are not as effective as antibacterial rinses in terms of counteracting gingivitis and plaque.

 

For Gingivitis or Periodontitis Concerns

In this case, a prescription mouthwash that fights gingivitis-causing germs may be th best choice for you. Clinical studies have shown that chlorhexidine, an active ingredient in prescription mouthwashes, has much stronger antibacterial properties than those ingredients found in over-the-counter brands.  An important caution: chlorhexidine can stain teeth. Mouthwashes containing this ingredient are prescription-only and, will likely go hand in hand being monitored by your dental professional.

 

For Cavity Concerns

For this case, mouthwashes that contain fluoride, a mineral naturally found in water and soil, is the best choice. This will coat the teeth with a protective film that will strengthen the enamel of the teeth, making it more resistant to tooth decay. Fluoride is the only mouthwash ingredient that has been proven to prevent cavities, but it does not protect the teeth from gum disease.

Children whom are decay prone or, having orthodontic care are often encouraged to use this type of rinse.

Antibacterial ingredients are not compatible with fluoride, unfortunately. This is one of the reasons why it is difficult to have an all-in-one mouthwash.   Parents need to monitor children closely when using mouthwashes as to not ingest only rinse and spit.

 

For an elaborate explanation, it is best to have a one-on-one talk with Dr. Marvin Lean or a member of the Team at Pickering Square Dental. He will help you decide on which mouthwash would be the best one for you and your current oral health status.

 

Ways to Whiten Your Teeth

Keeping your teeth looking healthy means keeping that smile bright.  Over time teeth can be stained by food and drink.  They can also be dulled and darkened by fluorosis – the excessive intake of fluorine compounds – or simply as part of the aging process.  Whitening teeth has become a big part of dental care but not all whitening products are equivalent.

Toothpaste

Your drugstore will likely have an entire row dedicated to teeth whitening.  The most common are whitening toothpastes which are just regular toothpastes with additional ingredients to lighten the teeth.  While whitening toothpaste can be useful for removing stains its power to lighten teeth is limited – generally only lightening by about one shade – in contrast to other methods.

Gels & Strips

Whitening gels are peroxide-based and applied directly on the surface of the teeth.  Strips, which are becoming quite popular are transparent adhesive bands coated with similar gels and folded around the teeth.  Based on instructions each application needs to be left on for 30 minutes to overnight on a daily or twice daily basis.  For many people this can be annoying.

Mouthwash

Mouthwash with whitening has become available more recently.  It has all the benefits of regular mouthwash – better breath and reduction of plaque and gum disease – with ingredients to lighten teeth.  This presents obvious benefits but with such a limited time for the whitening compound to interact with your teeth the capacity to whiten may be limited.  In fact most manufacturers state that it may take 12 weeks before any results can be seen.

Dentist Administered

Your dentist can offer a wide range of whitening options.  The most popular of which is bleaching.  With a dentist-administered in-office whitening your teeth can get – in a single 30-60 minute treatment – three to eight shades lighter.  Of all the options it is the shortest in duration with the biggest immediate impact.  With a few more treatments you’ll be able to reach a beautiful white shine with limited effort.

Keeping your teeth white is an important part, not just of dental care, but of maintaining an overall great look.  If you have questions on the wide variety of whitening options available contact us at Pickering Square Dental today.

Are All Mouthwashes Equal?

Mouthwash is an important part of a rigorous dental health regimen, and has been around in one type or another for thousands of years, though it’s only entered common use since the 1960s.  An anti-septic mouth rinse, mouthwash has been shown to be useful in aiding in the prevention of the buildup of plaque and lowering the associated risk of gingivitis and decay, as well as for fighting bad breath.   There are numerous brands and types of mouthwash available on the market today, but are they all worthy tools in preventing dental issues?

The short answer is: no.  The longer answer is that there are two types of mouthwash, cosmetic and therapeutic.  Cosmetic mouthwash is mainly associated with keeping the teeth free of debris and keeping breath smelling nice.  Therapeutic mouthwash on the other hand is anti-bacterial in nature, making it effective against plaque, gingivitis, cavities, and bad breath.  Obviously, therapeutic mouthwash is far more preferable, and on top of that, it’s easy to spot – just look for a recommendation from the Canadian Dental Association.

Beyond that simple division there are other things worth considering.  Alcohol is a primary ingredient in many mouthwashes but can cause dry mouth, which paradoxically can irritate oral issues and cause bad breath.  Alcohol-free mouthwashes are available as well, but many of those ingredients have side effects too.  Some oils may have an unpleasant taste, and others with Chlorhexidine should only be used for a short time frame as they can brown teeth or change your sense of taste.

Mouthwash has its pros and cons, but on the whole it’s usually worth using as part of your at-home dental care routine, provided you stick with the therapeutic varieties.   It’s also critical to remember, that no matter how good your mouthwash is, it is never a replacement for brushing and flossing.  If you have any dental issues that mouthwash isn’t helping with, please contact us today, and we’ll do what we can to help.