Tips for Choosing the Right Mouthwash for Your Teeth and Mouth

Tips for Choosing the Right Mouthwash for Your Teeth and Mouth

Mouthwash is a part that should not be missed from the toothbrush routine. However, choosing mouthwash should not be arbitrary. There are mouthwashes for certain types of teeth and mouth, depending on your needs.

Then, how to choose the right mouthwash for your teeth? Check out the following information.

Choose mouthwash

There are various kinds of mouthwash available on the market. Each mouthwash has a different content and function. This is why the efficacy of mouthwash cannot always be compared between one brand and another.

Before choosing mouthwash, let's look at the types first distinguished as follows:

1. Mouthwash for sensitive teeth

Mouthwash for sensitive teeth usually contains amino acids in the form of arginine. Arginine is allegedly able to close small holes in the teeth that cause sensitive teeth. Consult your doctor before you use this product.

2. Mouthwash contains fluoride

Fluoride is an important mineral to maintain the strength of tooth enamel. Fluoride mouthwash is the right choice if your teeth are fragile, easily broken, or very vulnerable to cavities.

3. Cosmetic mouthwash

The main benefit of cosmetic mouthwash is to make breath fresh and fragrant. However, cosmetic mouthwash is not always equipped with antibacterial ingredients so it is not suitable for you who want to prevent disease or damage to teeth.

4. Mouthwash to whiten teeth

Some types of mouthwash are equipped with bleaching agents in the form of hydrogen peroxide. If used routinely, this compound can remove stains that stick to the teeth so that the color gradually returns bright.

5. Mouthwash to remove plaque

Over time, food scraps and saliva attached to the teeth can form plaque. Plaque that is full of bacteria can trigger inflammatory disease in the gums. Mouthwash for plaque removal usually contains antibacterial ingredients in it.

Functions and tips for using mouthwash

If you choose the right mouthwash, this hygiene product actually has great benefits for oral health. Unfortunately, not a few people who mistakenly choose mouthwash so they can not feel the benefits.

Cosmetic mouthwash is certainly not effective enough to prevent cavities and the formation of dental plaque. On the other hand, mouthwash with antibacterial agents may not be able to remove stains on teeth and make it white again.

In order to be more optimal benefits, here are some tips that you can follow when using mouthwash:

1. Pay attention to the mouthwash content

When buying mouthwash, look at the contents listed. The benefits of mouthwash will be more felt if the ingredients according to your needs. Launch of the American Dental Association and several other sources, active ingredients that need to be observed include:

• Fluoride to protect tooth enamel.
• Chlorhexidine to prevent plaque formation and gum disease.
• Cetylpyridinium chloride to prevent bad breath and kill bacteria.
• Carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth.
• Essential oils such as menthol (peppermint), thyme, and eucalyptus to freshen the breath.

2. Gargle in the right way

After choosing, the mouthwash also needs to be used appropriately. Gargle after every toothbrush, at least 2 times a day. Use mouthwash as many times as the provisions on the packaging label or as directed by the dentist.

You should rinse your mouth for 60 seconds. Because, most of the chemicals in mouthwash can only work after 1 minute in the mouth. In this way, you can optimize the benefits of mouthwash for oral health.

3. Continue to undergo dental hygiene routines

Mouthwash does help maintain oral health, but this product cannot replace the function of brushes and dental floss. You still need to brush your teeth at least twice a day and clean the gap with dental floss.

Mouthwash also does not guarantee the health of your teeth and mouth all the time. So, you still need to undergo a routine dental examination at least every 6 months. The examination also helps detect teeth and mouth disease early before you choose the right mouthwash.