There are essentially three ways in which I’d categorize oral rinses:
- Those that are only available by prescription though your dentist or physician, otherwise known as “medicated”;
- Rinses that members of the general public can purchase at a store – these are often referred to as “non-medicated”; and finally, a rinse that anyone can make themselves by combining two very common household items… you guessed it – saltwater. All three definitely have their important functions in helping people maintain good oral health, but there are some caveats to this general rule that I always stress to my patients and would like to share with you now.
Mouthwash can never replace brushing and flossing
While any liquid, including mouthwash, can indeed be helpful in washing away food particles after eating, they can in no was replace a proper brushing and flossing regimen. Think of a mouthwash as one component of a good daily oral health routine but never as a brushing or flossing replacement.
Mouthwash as a temporary fix
Some people who have bad breath (halitosis) turn to mouthwash in their attempts to rectify the problem. While this may, in the moment, seem to mask the bad breath, note that the mouthwash is often just that – a mask – which only hides the real problem and doesn’t make it truly go away. It is important to get to the actual source that is causing the halitosis, whether it be gum disease, dry mouth, or a variety of other conditions that your dentist can diagnose. Then, and only then, when the true underlying cause of the halitosis is properly diagnosed and treated, will the bad breath finally disappear. Masking the problem can be dangerous as it gives the underlying problem the time and opportunity to become worse. Don’t let that post-rinse fresh breath feeling fool you!
Chlorhexidine
I use a product in my office called PerioPlus® because it is alcohol-free and contains Chlorhexidine, an agent that has been demonstrated to be safe for all users, including children and pregnant woman. In varying strengths, Chlorhexidine can carry out many important oral health functions including:
- fighting gum disease;
- helping oral ulcerations and lesions heal;
- reducing gum inflammation;
- suppressing bacteria that can be harmful to the gums;
- reducing tooth sensitivity; and
- alleviating dry mouth caused by various medications or radiation therapy.
Say no to alcohol (in your mouthwash, anyways!)
Alcohol is what is known as a “desiccant”, meaning that it dries out whatever it comes in contact with. We definitely don’t want to dry out our mouths. The mouth requires certain moisture levels in order to maintain proper oral health. Decreased levels of moisture in our mouths can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath, and can also contribute to problems speaking and swallowing. Those who are at an increased risk of dry mouth, like seniors and individuals receiving radiation therapy or taking certain medications whose side effects include dry mouth, should be especially vigilant about staying away from mouthwashes containing alcohol.
Beware of tooth stains!
Many mouthwash manufacturers add dyes to their rinses in order to make them look more attractive and enticing to potential customers. These dyes can stain teeth! Some of the mouthwash manufacturers’ websites even have this fact listed on pages buried deep in their sites. While this staining is most often temporary in that it can ultimately be brushed away, it is something worthy of your consideration.
Don’t underestimate the power of saltwater
By changing the pH of the mouth, saltwater has the ability to deter the reproduction of many microorganisms that can cause tooth decay and gum infection. One teaspoon of common table salt diluted in a glass of warm water can also act as an astringent and speed up the healing of oral wounds by reducing inflammation.
Steven Deskin is a Dentist in general practice.
