Recently you must have noticed that in last two or three years your TV and phone has been flooded with advertisements of different kinds of mouthwashes. They all give you a guarantee of freshness of breath (and hence the inevitable success in life). Some of them have clove(not the dental brand clinic chain you are thinking about), others boast of having natural peppermint or even table salt for that matter. 

Some promise to reduce your sensitivity to hot or cold and some of them claim to fight against the threat of cavities in your teeth. Some of the mouthwashes are cosmetic in nature, providing you with the allure of whitening your teeth. Sometimes the advertisements are such that they will lead into you believing that a mouthwash is so versatile in protecting your oral health that it can even replace your dentist!But when should you use a mouthwash? Before brushing or after brushing? Do you even need to brush when you use a mouthwash? For how long can you use mouthwash?Should kids use it? Are the mouthwashes available for kids in the market safe? Did you know that there might be alcohol in your mouthwash even more than it is in beer?To know more, visit us at Ikigai Dentistry Noida Sec 41 or you call at 9319065937 .

TYPES OF MOUTHWASHES

1) Antiseptic mouthwashes.

These are the ones that contain Chlorhexidine in a concentration of 0.2 % and are one of the most commonly prescribed antiseptics in dental practice. They are considered to be a gold standard among oral antiseptic mouthwashes and help fight oral cavity-causing bacteria.However, you should not use it by yourself as repeated use of it might cause side-effects like browning of teeth and alteration in taste sensation.They are mostly prescribed after extraction, dental surgery or gum surgery when patients find themselves unable to follow their routine oral hygiene practices with brush and toothpaste. It must always be remembered that after the patient has recovered, the mouthwash hasto be discontinued but only after taking the dentist’s advice. It is a medicine and should be treated as such.

2) Plaque-inhibiting mouthwashes.

Plaque is an invisible layer of bacteria and bacterial products on your teeth and gums which,if not removed regularly, will cause cavities and gum diseases.Plaque-inhibiting mouthwashes have a number of constituents like anti-microbials, essential oils and other agents that prevent bacteria from attaching to tooth surfaces. Hence, they not only fight against cavities but gum diseases too.They are an addition to a patient’s normal oral hygiene and are given when a patient carries more risk of developing new cavities in mouth.If used for a long time, they may cause dry mouth and tingling of gums.

3) Preventive mouthwashes

These are the mouthwashes that contain varying amounts of fluoride and should not be used unless you have consulted with a dentist.An 8 year old can start using a fluoride mouthwash, provided their teeth have a high risk of developing dental cavities and are recommended by a dentist.Patients undergoing orthodontic (braces) treatment and who have braces are also recommended to use fluoride mouthwashes. Studies have shown that use of a daily fluoride mouthrinse will reduce the risk of tooth decay during Ortho treatment.There are two choices: daily fluoride mouthwash (0.05 % sodium fluoride) or weekly rinses of a higher strength (0.2 %). Both reduce dental caries progress in kids.

4) Cosmetic/whitening mouthwashes

Available OTC in chemist shops, these are the ones that may contain hydrogen peroxide. If used for a long time, it may cause inflammation and ulcers in gums.

HOW TO USE A MOUTHWASH

1) If you have undergone a dental/oral surgery, then consult your dentist.

2) If you have not undergone a dental surgery then-

a) First brush your teeth the correct way as taught by your dentist.

b) Floss your teeth

c) Measure your mouthwash with the help of the cap of the bottle. It comes to be about 10 ml.

d) Rinse your mouth for one minute and then spat out. Don’t swallow the mouth wash. It has many ingredients which are not meant to go into your body.

e) Don’t drink water or rinse your mouth or eat anything for at least 30 minutes.

In case of any doubt/query feel free to connect at 9319065937 or you can visit/book an appointment at Ikigai Dentistry sector 41.