Which mouthwash is safer for your teeth? Alcohol-free mouthwash is considered to be safer for your teeth because you do not have to worry about your enamel being weakened by the alcohol in your mouthwash or your gums burning while you rinse.
Alcohol-free mouthwash may not completely wipe your mouth clean, but it does target more bad bacteria than good, creating a favourable balance to avoid further complications or bad breath.
Alcohol-free mouthwashes can help prevent tooth decay, periodontal disease, dry mouth, halitosis, and plaque and tartar buildup. They can also help whiten your teeth. Look for the following ingredients to achieve your oral health goals: Fluoride.
The Cons of Mouthwash
Alcohol irritates the mouth: Some mouthwash contains high level of alcohol and while this works to disinfect the mouth and kill bacteria, alcohol also irritates the mouth and can cause a burning sensation. Alcoholic mouthwash can also irritate canker sores rather than helping to heal them.
It may cause dry mouth. Regular or excessive use of alcohol-based mouthwashes can dry out your mouth, which can lead to tooth sensitivity, bad breath, and even cavities. It can mask potential oral health issues.
Alcohol-free mouthwash is considered to be safer for your teeth because you do not have to worry about your enamel being weakened by the alcohol in your mouthwash or your gums burning while you rinse.
Another notable advantage of using alcohol-free mouthwashes is that it can prevent gum diseases without causing harm to your teeth and gums. Using mouthwash at least twice a day can prevent redness and swollen gums.
Indications and Usage. Colgate Plax Antibacterial Alcohol Free Mouthwash kills 99.9% of germs and provides 24/7 bad breath control when used twice daily.
Chlorhexidine Mouthwash
It is a broad spectrum antimicrobial with particular use against bacteria that cause gum disease. Dentists do sometimes employ chlorhexidine mouthwash to treat patients with gum disease. Studies have shown it can reduce inflammation caused by periodontal bacteria.
No alcohol? No problem. The zero-alcohol formula contains the same three essential oils (eucalyptol, menthol, and thymol) as LISTERINE COOL MINT® for all the same benefits; like killing bad breath germs, reducing gingivitis and preventing plaque, without the sting.
In addition to brushing and flossing daily, using mouthwash everyday needs to become part of the routine to ensure optimal oral health. Mouthwash will further supplement the daily dental routine to prevent and/or reduce harmful oral bacteria while maintaining a fresh feel and smell to the mouth.
Alcohol-based mouthwashes (read: the vast majority of them) have a habit of drying out the tissue in your mouth. As alcohol evaporates, it takes saliva and other moisture with it, worsening cases of dry mouth. Not to mention, mouthwash stings, meaning it can aggravate ulcers and sores.
If you brush your teeth well, twice a day, and floss daily, mouthwash is not strictly necessary. However, most dentists highly recommend adding mouthwash to your morning and evening routine.
Should you use mouthwash before bed? You certainly can, but use it half an hour after you brush so your toothpaste fluoride has time to work first. That way, the mouthwash adds to the protection. Otherwise, using the mouthwash right after you brush simply washes away the toothpaste fluoride.
How Long can Mouthwash be Used? In general, mouthwash can last for a couple years beyond the manufacture date. At a maximum, mouthwash will last three years following the manufacture date.
Too much mouthwash.
Contrary to popular belief, mouthwash only “masks” bad breath; it doesn't eliminate it. Using mouthwash too often can kill bacteria in the mouth, and they respond by repopulating more odour-causing bacteria. Eating too many mints is also a contributor to bad breath.
Mouthwash – Before Brushing
When mouthwash is used before brushing, chances of plaque breaking up increase, helping it clear off during brush and floss easily. However, this sequence is not advisable since mouthwashes are a good source of having fresh breath, and rinsing with water negates the whole point.
AND WHEN DO I USE IT? We know that rinsing your mouth with a mouthwash might be tempting just after you have brushed. Not so fast. If you're using fluoride toothpaste, don't use mouthwash for at least 30 minutes after brushing!
Don't use mouthwashes too frequently. While they are good for keeping bacteria at bay on the teeth and gums, they can also throw necessary bacteria into disarray, which can trigger an oral thrush episode.
It is not recommended to rinse your mouth with water after you have just used mouthwash. This is because many mouthwashes contain ingredients such as fluoride that need time to start working. If you rinse your mouth out straight after, the fluoride will also be washed away during the rinsing.
Mouthwashes with alcohol kill bacteria and fight bad breath, but they may not be the best option when you're looking to treat gingivitis. Opt for a gentle formula that's made specifically for gingivitis to avoid causing further irritation to your gums.
This sticky, disgusting layer of film is called oral thrush, and it's normal to want to rid your mouth of the foul substance as quickly as possible! Read on to learn more from your dentist about what causes oral thrush, along with some measures you can take to address it and maintain good oral health.
No, they are different products, and the determining factor is the alcohol content. Mouth rinse does not contain alcohol, while mouthwash contains around 20%. A third type of product is elixir, which contains more than 50% alcohol, so it must be diluted with water when used.