If you are looking for ways of improving your dental health, beyond basic brushing and flossing, you may be considering using mouthwash as part of your oral health routine. However, there are different types of mouthwash to choose from. Here are three of the most common types of mouthwash.
Fluoride Mouthwash
Fluoride plays a key role in maintaining your dental health by helping to strengthen your enamel. Enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth. Fluoride helps to promote the remineralization this enamel. While most mouthwashes contain some fluoride, prescription fluoride mouthwash contains high levels. Your dentist may recommend using a fluoride mouthwash if they have noticed that the enamel on your teeth is becoming thin or if you are suffering from cavities or tooth decay.
Cosmetic Mouthwash
A cosmetic mouthwash is primarily designed to make your breath smell good. This type of mouthwash will usually contain a high level of alcohol, which helps it to kill any bacteria which have built up on your teeth or gums. It is this bacteria which cause bad breath as they feed upon food debris and plaque within your mouth. However, you should be aware that a cosmetic mouthwash is primarily designed to improve the smell of your breath, it is not designed to clean your mouth properly or to strengthen your teeth.
Anti-Plaque and Anti-Gingivitis Mouthwash
This type of mouthwash is designed to treat gingivitis, which results in the inflammation of your gum tissue. It also helps to prevent the build-up of plaque within your mouth. This type of mouthwash will typically contain a mixture of fluoride and bacterial killing agents, which make it the ideal mouthwash for everyday use, as it will help to both strengthen your teeth, remove plaque and kill bacteria which can cause bad breath.
While the majority of mouthwash solutions can be purchased without the need for a medical prescription, you should consult your dentist before adding mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the type of mouthwash that will best combat any dental health issues you are currently experiencing. It is important to remember that mouthwash should never be used in place of proper brushing and flossing of your teeth.
If you have any concerns about your dental health, book an appointment with your dentist. They will be able to carry out an assessment of your dental health before performing any necessary treatment.
Share