Written by Nahir Abdel Nabi
Wednesday, 05 April 2023 03:00 PM
Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily to prevent plaque and gum problems, but many people are unsure whether or not they should use an antimicrobial mouthwash as part of their daily oral hygiene routine.
And according to healthy, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), there are two basic types of mouthwashes: cosmetic and medicated.
Cosmetic mouthwash
They are designed to temporarily freshen breath and leave behind a pleasant aftertaste. They are not for plaque reduction. While cosmetic mouthwashes remove odor, they do not contain antimicrobial properties. Therefore, cosmetic mouthwashes do not prevent cavities.
Therapeutic mouthwash
They contain antiseptic ingredients that help control bad breath, tooth decay (plaque), and gingivitis (gum disease). The active ingredients in medicated mouthwashes act as an antibiotic to kill bacteria. Ingredients in medicated mouthwashes may include cetylpyridinium chloride, fluoride, And peroxide, and chlorhexidine, and essential oils. Some medicated mouthwashes are available without a prescription.
An antibacterial mouthwash can help prevent cavities and gum disease because it can reach areas of the mouth that are not easily accessible with brushing and flossing. This can help control plaque and reduce the risk of mouth infections.
However, most people who brush and floss faithfully and go for regular dental check-ups and flosses do not need mouthwash to kill bacteria and keep their teeth and gums healthy.
Is antiseptic mouthwash healthy?
An antiseptic or antibacterial mouthwash is healthy, as studies have shown the benefits of an antiseptic mouthwash in preventing:
Plaque, tooth decay and gingivitis.
– The spread of an active infection such as influenza or Corona when used by the patient before dental treatment.
Pain from mouth ulcers (canker sores or aphthous ulcers).
Dry mouth or xerostomia (an alcohol-free mouthwash is recommended for people with this condition).
Bad breath (cosmetic mouthwashes temporarily mask bad breath while medicated mouthwashes help with long-term control of bad breath by controlling bacteria in the mouth).
