Mouthwashes: are they really necessary?
Yes. Absolutely! At Shelbourne Dental Clinic, we certainly believe that good oral hygiene practice should include:
- brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste
- flossing, and…
- rinsing with a dental mouthwash.
The mouthwash gets into all the ‘nooks and crannies’ between the teeth, where the toothbrush can’t get to. Swirling it around the mouth also helps to disinfect the oral tissues, including the tongue.
What does Mouthwash Do?
It freshens the mouth and in conjunction with good brushing and flossing, protects the teeth from decay.
– Most oral rinses contain fluoride which helps prevent tooth decay.
– Many mouthwashes have antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
– Some mouthrinses have ingredients which help to reduce tooth sensitivity.
What are the main ingredients in a mouthwash?
Peroxide – included for it’s antiseptic properties.
Chlorhexidine – an antibacterial / antiviral. (Can stain teeth if used for a prolonged period).
Potassium Chloride – very useful for sensitive teeth.
Fluoride – used to help strengthen teeth and fight against tooth decay.
Triclosan – an antibacterial. Commonly included in toothpastes also.
Is it safe to swallow?
Ideally…no! It won’t harm you to accidentally swallow some mouthrinse but we would advise that you spit it out after using it.
Do you recommend any particular brands?
Not really. Sometimes in the clinic, we will prescribe a chlorhexidine based mouthwash if we are treating someone for moderate to severe gum disease. For most people, we recommend a fluoride containing mouthwash.
The mouthwashes we would commonly use at the clinic would include ‘Kin‘, ‘Corsodyl‘ and ‘Listerine‘ products.
