What Is Mouthwash?
Mouthwash, also known as an oral or mouth rinse, is a liquid solution that cleans the mouth and freshens the breath. When used daily, it can remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria that cause tooth decay, halitosis, and gum disease. Mouthwash usually contains antimicrobial agents, such as chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride, or essential oils, which kill bacteria in the mouth and reduce the risk of oral infections.
Dentists recommend using mouthwash in conjunction with brushing and flossing, as it can reach areas of the mouth that are difficult to clean with a toothbrush or dental floss. It’s partially useful for those with braces, dentures, or other dental appliances that trap food and bacteria. Mouthwash may also help soothe sore gums and reduce inflammation.
When it comes to the dental products market, there are an overwhelming number of options to choose from and questions that accompany your choice. What kind of mouthwash do you need? What brand is the best? The Kalispell dentists of Alpine Family Dental want to make it as easy as possible for you to find the exact mouthwash your oral health will benefit from. Learn more by dialing (406) 393-8877.
Different Types of Mouthwash
Depending on the status of your oral health or your smile goals, there are numerous types of mouthwash available.
- Therapeutic Mouthwash: Therapeutic mouthwashes and oral rinses contain active ingredients designed to treat specific oral health problems, such as gingivitis, tooth decay, or dry mouth.
- Cosmetic Mouthwash: This type of mouthwash contains ingredients that will help freshen your breath or whiten your teeth. However, they may not have any therapeutic benefits.
- Natural Mouthwash: Natural mouthwashes often contain plant-based ingredients, such as tea tree oil or aloe vera, and may be free of alcohol or other harsh chemicals.
How to Choose and Use the Best Mouthwash
It’s not always as simple as buying the first mouthwash you see at the store. Here are a few tips you should keep in mind when choosing the best mouthwash:
- Avoid High Alcohol Content: Alcohol creates a fiery burn that many types of mouthwash leave in your mouth. Mouthwashes that contain alcohol can create an imbalanced oral microbiome, eliminating the good bacteria it needs.
- Pay Attention to Ingredients: Key ingredients mouthwash should contain include fluoride, cetylpyridinium chloride, and chlorhexidine.
- Oral Health Goals: Mouthwashes are formulated to meet specific needs. Are you looking to get rid of bad breath? Or maybe you’re trying to keep gum disease at bay. Keep your oral health needs in mind as you choose a mouthwash for daily use.
Best Mouthwashes
What Is the Best Mouthwash for Bad Breath?
There are several types of mouthwash best recommended for those struggling with bad breath. Those include:
- TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse: An alcohol-free and antibacterial mouthwash that’s designed to reduce sulfur-producing bacteria in the mouth and eliminate severe bad breath for up to one day. However, it can be more expensive than other mouthwashes.
- ACT Dry Mouth Mouthwash: An alcohol-free mouthwash designed to be effective at reducing dry mouth for many hours after use. It also contains fluoride, which is an active cavity fighter.
- Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash: Designed to lessen bad breath while also reducing gingivitis. While it does contain essential oils to ward off bad breath, it also has an alcohol base.
Our Kalispell patients can find these mouthwashes at their local drugstores, Walmart, or Amazon.
What Is the Best Mouthwash for Gum Disease?
When it comes to finding a mouthwash for fighting off gum disease, there are many to choose from. The top mouthwashes for gum disease include:
- Crest Pro-Health Gum and Breath Purify Mouthwash: For those in the early stages of gum disease, or for those looking to prevent gingivitis, this mouthwash is clinically proven to target bacteria at the gum line, reduce gum swelling and redness, and help protect against plaque buildup. It’s also alcohol-free, helps purify bad breath, and includes cetylpyridinium chloride as its active ingredient.
- TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse: A specially formulated mouthwash designed to aid in preventing and treating periodontal disease. It fights gingivitis for 24 hours after use and can help reduce the occurrence of gum disease and its symptoms. The active ingredient in this periodontal mouthwash is cetylpyridinium chloride, an antiseptic and antiplaque agent.
Our Kalispell patients can find these mouthwashes at their local drugstores, Walmart, or Amazon.
What Is the Best Mouthwash for Teeth Whitening?
Many people want to brighten their smiles. While the most effective treatment is professional teeth whitening, some alternatives can help lessen the dullness of your teeth. The top mouthwashes for teeth whitening include:
- Crest Pro-Health Advanced With Extra Whitening: An alcohol-free, fluoridated mouthwash that helps fight cavities, removes surface stains, and whitens teeth. It’s also designed to strengthen the tooth enamel and kill germs that cause bad breath.
- Colgate Optic White Whitening Mouthwash: Designed with a strong formula to help remove stains and whiten teeth quickly. It has a two percent concentration of hydrogen peroxide and is alcohol-free.
- Act Anticavity + Whitening Mouthwash: A mouthwash containing fluoride that works as a whitening agent along with cavity prevention. You only need to use it once a day, and a little goes a long way.
Our Kalispell Dentist Near You Will Help You Find the Best Mouthwash. Call Today!
Are you wondering where to start when looking to upgrade your oral hygiene routine at home? Finding a mouthwash best for your oral needs is a great step. If you’re looking for further recommendations or need a new dentist in Kalispell,
contact us by dialing (406) 393-8877 today! We’re gladly accepting new patients and will help you achieve a beautiful smile and pristine oral health.