There are so many mouthwashes on the market, ranging from your everyday mouthwashes to ones that are more focused on specific needs. Need fresh breath? There’s a mouthwash for that. Got dry mouth? There’s a mouthwash for that. Looking to prevent cavities, whiten, strengthen enamel, desensitize, kill germs, reduce tartar buildup, improve gum health…there’s a mouthwash for that.
HOW DO THEY WORK?
In general, mouthwash can help rinse away bacteria that might otherwise cling to your teeth and gums, which can cause inflammation and bad breath, while fluoridated mouthwashes offer extra protection by helping to strengthen enamel. Mouthwashes that are formulated for dry mouth are helpful because they moisturize and can help stimulate salivary flow.
LIMITATIONS TO CONSIDER
Mouthwashes marketed as “whitening,” claim to remove stains from the teeth and contribute to a whiter appearance. Although whitening mouthwash may help prevent substances that cause extrinsic (outer surface) staining from sticking to teeth, which make them appear darker, they cannot actually whiten your teeth because they simply do not penetrate tooth structure.
Mouthwash is an adjunct – and not a replacement for daily brushing and flossing. It cannot remove tartar that has already formed and it is not a cure for oral health issues.
“I READ THIS ON THE INTERNET…”
There are some articles on the internet that claim mouthwashes can cause cavities due to their acidity levels. So…is it true?
While it is true that some mouthwashes are more acidic than others (particularly ones that contain alcohol), when used as directed, they function as they are intended. If you are using them over and above their intended use, they could become counterproductive.
While we are on the subject, let us turn our attention to beverages high in acidity such as citrus, fruit juice, diet soda and sports drinks. Typically sipped throughout the course of the day, these beverages can damage enamel (the protective, outer layer of our teeth). Citric and phosphoric acid – the most common ingredients found in these drinks - alter the natural pH balance in the mouth. This can cause the enamel to erode over time, which in turn makes teeth susceptible to decay. For those times you are consuming the types of beverages listed above, swishing with water will help neutralize the acid and restore your natural pH levels . Even better, limit those drinks to mealtimes only.
FUN FACT: LISTERINE® has been around a long time, originally formulated in 1879. The photo from this blog is a vintage bottle from 1924! (Photo credit Johnson & Johnson).
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