Mouthwash is a liquid product used to rinse your teeth, gums, and mouth, and it usually contains an antiseptic to kill harmful bacteria that can live between your teeth and on your tongue. It can be used to prevent or stop bad breath, as well as to rinse out plaque and fight gum disease. However, its important to note that mouthwash doesnt replace brushing your teeth or flossing in terms of oral hygiene, and its only effective when used correctly. Different product formulas contain different ingredients, and not all mouthwashes can strengthen your teeth. Here are some details about mouthwash ingredients and materials:
Positive:
- Mouthwash kills bacteria by using antiseptic ingredients like alcohol, menthol, and eucalyptol.
- Certain oral rinses also claim to make your tooth enamel stronger by including fluoride.
- Therapeutic mouthwashes often have multiple benefits. They have active ingredients that, depending on the specific formulation, address or help to prevent various oral diseases and conditions including tooth decay, gum disease, mouth pain, dry mouth, and bad breath.
- Mouthwashes containing sodium fluoride help prevent cavities and fight tooth decay.
- Antiseptic mouthwash can stop bacterial growth and is ideal for those with mouth infections, but it can also assist in fighting halitosis (bad breath) .
Negative:
- Some mouthwashes contain significant percentages of alcohol (anywhere between 18-26 percent). Although not designed to be swallowed, some may experience sensitivity when rinsing with a mouthwash containing alcohol.
- Some mouthwashes contain ingredients that are harmful to your teeth.
Ingredients or materials:
- Active ingredients that may be used in therapeutic mouthwash include cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine, essential oils, fluoride, and peroxide.
- Mouthwashes with fluoride and ingredients such as cetylpyridinium chloride, essential oils, chlorhexidine, and chlorine dioxide provide anti-bacterial protection and reduce plaque and gingivitis.
- Some dentifrice ingredients (like calcium hydroxide or aluminum hydroxide) can form a complex with fluoride ions and reduce a mouthrinses effectiveness. Therefore, vigorous rinsing with water may be recommended after brushing and before rinsing if these ingredients are present[[3]](https://www.ada.org/en/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topic...
