Regular trips to the dentist and good oral hygiene are the best ways to prevent toothaches, cavities, gingivitis, and other dental issues that could impact your self-esteem and overall quality of life. When it comes to at-home care, using mouthwash is essential. Along with daily brushing and flossing, rinsing with the liquid can help stop bacterial infection. Below is further explanation as to how mouthwash will keep your teeth and gums healthy and what kind is best suited for your needs.    

Why Should You Use Mouth Rinse?

After brushing and flossing, using a mouth rinse will help dislodge food residue from the gum line and between teeth, where it can’t be reached with a toothbrush. This will help prevent cavities that lead to major decay, and eventual tooth loss without trips to the dentist. Many rinses also contain fluoride ions, which are absorbed by teeth to work with calcium and phosphates to protect enamel. Although rinses vary, most contain active ingredients designed to reduce plaque. Antimicrobial agents such as chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium, for example, contain properties designed to kill bacteria. Rinsing with mouthwash every day will remove bacteria film from the tooth surface and gum line before it can harden and turn into tartar. To keep breath fresh, rinses contain zinc salts, ketone, terpene, and ionone, which combat volatile sulfur compounds that produce foul odors in the mouth.

What Type of Mouth Rinse Should You Use?

Depending on your specific concerns, a dentist will either recommend a therapeutic or cosmetic mouthwash. Therapeutic solutions feature active antiseptic ingredients, including the aforementioned chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium, to keep bacteria out of sores, cavities, and other areas of the mouth causing pain or discomfort. Mouthwashes with fluoride as the active ingredient are meant to address issues with cavities or tooth decay. Over-the-counter products are available to use daily, or a dentist might prescribe a solution to use with ongoing treatment. Cosmetic rinses are specifically formulated to temporarily combat bad breath.

If you need help deciding what mouthwash to use, Eric J. Hartzell, DMD, in High Point, NC, is happy to provide a thorough examination to determine what products and treatments will improve your oral health. To schedule a dentist appointment in the Piedmont Triad region, call (336) 886-8776. Visit the dental office online for a closer look at how Dr. Hartzell and his team will care for your teeth, and follow them on Facebook for tips to maintain a beautiful smile.