Mouthwash is an oral care product that can be used for different purposes. There are two main types of mouthwash: therapeutic and cosmetic. Therapeutic mouthwashes contain active ingredients that help control or reduce conditions like bad breath, gingivitis, plaque, and tooth decay. Some of the active ingredients used in therapeutic mouthwashes include cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine, essential oils, fluoride, and peroxide. On the other hand, cosmetic mouthwashes primarily serve to freshen breath, although they can also reduce the presence of bacteria for short periods of time.
Here are some of the different types of mouthwash available and their uses:
-
Fluoride Mouthwash: This type of mouthwash contains sodium fluoride, which helps fortify the enamel and can strengthen soft spots in the enamel to ward off tooth decay.
-
Gingivitis Mouthwash: Some mouthwash brands like Listerine have made a point of advertising their gingivitis-fighting qualities. Regular use of a therapeutic mouthwash can address two causes of gum disease: bacterial and plaque.
-
Topical Pain Relief Mouthwash: Some mouthwash brands offer temporary relief from discomfort through the use of ingredients.
-
Antimicrobial Mouthwash: Antimicrobials in mouthwash formulations include chlorhexidine, chlorine dioxide, cetylpyridinium chloride, and essential oils (e.g., eucalyptol, menthol, thymol, and methyl salicylate) .
-
Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash: Hydrogen peroxide is the active ingredient found in most household cleaning products. It has wide anti-microbial properties due to.
When choosing a mouthwash, it is important to consider the ingredients and their effectiveness for your specific needs. Some ingredients may have adverse effects, so it is best to talk with your dentist or dental hygienist about which ingredients you should look for when shopping.
