Guide to Mouthwash
Your teeth are an important part of your body. They require just as much care and attention as you give to washing your hair, if not more. A toothbrush, toothpaste and floss can make a real difference to your dental hygiene. However, merely using such methods is not always enough to cleanse your mouth, as they sometimes fail to remove all plaque. They may also fail to remove scraps of food that get caught up in the teeth. Mouthwash is therefore another tool by which you can ensure the dental hygiene of your teeth. This guide will enable you to learn of the ingredients included in a mouthwash and what they actually do.
What does mouthwash actually do?
A mouthwash is a liquid concentrate that is rinsed around the mouth, before being spat out. While in the mouth it works to remove plaque and little bits of food that get stuck in the teeth. This helps to prevent tooth decay, protect against cavities and strengthen tooth enamel. Mouthwash also helps to give you nice smelling breath. The advantage of mouthwash, in comparison to toothpaste (though you should not use mouthwash as a substitute for toothpaste), is that it can reach parts of the mouth that a toothbrush can not. A mouthwash takes less than a minute to use, but can make a real difference to your dental hygiene.
Key ingredients in mouthwash
Though every mouthwash is different to some extent in terms of its ingredients, there are a few key elements that most include. They are:
- Water - It may surprise you to learn this, but water is essential to ensure the other ingredients included in a mouthwash liquefy.
- Alcohol - The amount of alcohol included should not give you any worry about your children using it (and it should not be drunk in the first place). The safety of mouthwashes is governed by strict laws, so the amount of alcohol included is nothing to worry about. Alcohol is an essential part of a mouthwash as it helps to eradicate germs that plague the mouth and lead to teeth decay. There are alcohol free mouthwashes available, such as Listermint.
- Flavouring - You don’t want something foul tasting swirling around your mouth, which is why mouthwashes use flavouring, usually a mint flavour.
- Colouring - Just as you don’t want to use mouthwash that is foul tasting, so is the case with the visual appeal of your mouthwash.
- Detergent - Detergent is vital to the removal of plaque and bits of food in the mouth.
- Preservatives - Preservatives are an essential ingredient in a mouthwash to prevent if from going bad while still in its container. Otherwise, it may develop bacteria and other microbes.
- Fluoride - Fluoride is another ingredient that is put into most mouthwashes these days. This is due to its ability to fight against acids that cause tooth decay. However, it is advised that children under the age of seven do not use mouthwashes that contain fluoride.
- Antiseptic mouthwashes- It is also possible to acquire antiseptic mouthwashes. These are tailored specifically for those who have bad breath, gum disease or a mouth infection. They are also of benefit to those who have recently had a tooth removed. An antiseptic mouthwash will typically contain chlorhexidine. It is advised that you do not use such mouthwashes regularly as they can discolour your teeth.
Directions to use mouthwash
You should always follow the guidelines provided with any mouthwash you buy. This will typically provide guidelines on the amount to use, how often you to use them and for how long you should use them. Mouthwash should never be drunk. If you are unsure whether a particular mouthwash is safe for you, then you should ask your dentist for advice.
