The “best"mouthwashis ultimately based on what you should probably use it for.
Others can help ease mouth pain, stop bleeding gums, or simply freshen your breath.
There are even mouthwashes that can help whiten your teeth.
Cultura RM Exclusive / Janie Airey / Getty Images
It also offers you tips on how to choose the right mouthwash and factors that may influence your choice.
It is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial that exerts strong action against bacteria that causeperiodontitis(gum disease).
It can also affect your taste after use, particularly with salty foods.
It can also help reduce bacteria that contribute tohalitosis(bad breath).
Fluoride mouthwash is not meant to replacefluoride toothpaste, but it can support a daily dental hygiene routine.
Fluoride rinses with 0.05% fluoride are likely the most effective.
Fluoride mouthwashesshould not be swallowedas they have a potential for toxicity, particularly in small children.
Children under 7 years of age should never use them as they are most likely to swallow.
It has antimicrobial and disinfecting properties due to its oxidizing effects.
The same foaming action has a bleaching effect.
Those with lower concentrations are commonly used as teeth whiteners.
Concentrations of between 1% and 3% are considered safe.
Hydrogen peroxide mouthwashes are not intended for daily use.
This can lead to tooth sensitivity and pain as well as the swelling of the gums.
However, quality studies are lacking.
These includepeppermint oil,spearmint oil,clove oil,tea tree oil, andeucalyptus oil.
Avoid swallowing mouthwashes made with essential oils.
Essential oils are not intended for internal use and can be poisonous if consumed in excess.
Even small amounts of clove oil have been known to cause seizures in children.
For safety, do not use essential oil mouthwash in younger kids.
Saltwater Mouthwash
A saltwater rinse is commonly recommended after dental extraction.
Warm saltwater is known to help ease sore throats and alleviate mouth sores or ulcers.
As it has a low pH, saltwater may also help to treat bad breath.
(Bacteria that cause bad breath require a high pH.)
Saltwater mouthwashes are safe for occasional use.
Long-term use can potentially damage tooth enamel and irritate the gums, causing easy bleeding.
Swishing a mouthwash may have antibacterial action that can inhibit plaque, but it doesn’t actually remove it.
It should never be considered a replacement for dailybrushingandflossing.
Alcohol
Alcohol is one of the most common mouthwash ingredients.
Many people assume that alcohol kills bacteria, but it isnt an active ingredient.
Alcohol mouthwash has drawn concern in recent years because is it linked to oral cancer.
Research has shown that alcohol makes the cells in the mouth more vulnerable to cancer-causing agents (carcinogens).
Moreover, when alcohol is broken down, it produces a byproduct calledacetaldehyde, a known human carcinogen.
As a general rule, opt for mouthwash brands that don’t contain alcohol.
Summary
Different mouthwashes serve different purposes.
Chlorhexidine mouthwashes, available by prescription, are sometimes prescribed to people with periodontitis.
Mouthwashes with essential oils and saltwater can be made at home as alternatives to commercial mouthwashes.
Saltwater is especially useful in preventing infection after tooth extraction or a mouth injury.
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