Not all mouthwashes are the same. Depending on the situation, some can be effective in combating temporary bad breath. However, are they always the best option for our mouth? In this post we will talk about the use of this product and its role in our daily hygiene. Pure consumerism? All the keys in our blog ⬇️
Mouthwash is a liquid used to clean the mouth, complementing the action of toothbrushing and increasing the effectiveness of daily hygiene.
It is generally composed of water, fluoride, hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, colouring agents, flavourings and, on many occasions, ethyl alcohol. However, due to the huge range of products on the market, we are likely to see brands using other ingredients in their formulas, which aim to: increase efficacy, target their action to treat a specific pathology, improve their taste or user experience and, most commonly, make them more visually appealing to the competition.
Which audiences should use mouthwash?
It is common to think that this product is used solely and exclusively to combat bad breath. As a result, many people are reluctant to spend money on something they feel they don't need. However, it should be noted that mouthwashes are not only used for this purpose, they are also a good ally to prevent the accumulation of bacterial plaque that causes caries, gingivitis and/or infections.
Therefore, although we cannot consider the use of mouthwashes as a substitute for daily brushing, they are a good complement to daily hygiene. Therefore, our recommendation is that everyone with a healthy mouth should use them twice a day: when brushing their teeth in the morning and when they go to bed at night.
Conventional mouthwashes should not be used by people who have periodontal problems, severe tooth sensitivity, open wounds in the mouth, sores, in post-operative cases (unless recommended by the dentist) or in cases where teeth whitening has recently been performed. The ideal situation is to always consult your dentist, who will tell you how to proceed in each case; what type of rinse is best for you and how to apply it to your daily hygiene routine. You can use the annual check-up to ask this question.
Do mouthwashes work against bad breath?
The correct answer is: it depends on each individual case. It is not the same to have bad breath on a one-off basis (due to what we have eaten) as it is to have a persistent and/or developing pathology or condition. In the second case it will be necessary to detect why this situation is occurring, rather than trying to cover it up. Let's look at why this type of response is occurring.
Imagine that one particular day you have eaten garlic. The bad breath has nothing to do with your oral health, but with the strong odour of this food that has permeated your mouth and digestive system. After a while, through salivation, your body will be able to eliminate the odour naturally, but to make the process more bearable, brushing and mouthwash will be of great help. This product will freshen your mouth and mask the odour to a greater or lesser extent, as well as helping to control bacteria and remove any food debris that may have been left between your teeth.
Now let's assume that bad breath is something that affects you on a regular basis, regardless of what you eat. In addition, you don't smoke, you have good hygiene and you hydrate properly; you have been to the dentist to check your oral health and everything seems fine. What could it be? Does mouthwash help me in this case?
In this situation, the problem is usually related to the pH of your saliva. Mouthwash will help, although your dentist will be the best person to determine what treatment or advice you can give to regulate it. For example, if you incorporate alkaline foods into your diet, you will gradually regulate the acidity of your saliva, making bad breath disappear over time. Mouthwash will help you to manage this process better.
If, on the other hand, it is a pathology, the key is to treat it. It won't do much good to use mouthwash when the problem is still there. As much as it may mask the odour for a few minutes, you'll soon find that you have to repeat the process because it's no longer working. Your dentist needs to get to the root of the problem!
Are all mouthwashes the same?
No. Although the base may be the same, as we mentioned at the beginning, some have extra ingredients or substitutes that adapt to each particular situation. Specialised mouthwashes are available in pharmacies and, in some cases, in dental centres themselves. These products are designed to treat a specific pathology or to provide lasting protection against a specific agent. Some specialised mouthwashes also contain ingredients such as fluoride, which helps to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay.
As oral health professionals, dentists are trained to assess your needs and recommend the best products for you. Furthermore, when choosing a specialised oral care product, it is important to make sure that it contains safe and effective ingredients. Our recommendation is that they should always be alcohol-free. Ask your dentist which one is best for you!
In conclusion, if you suffer from chronic toothache, our recommendation is that your dentist should find out what is causing the problem, thus eliminating the problem. Your dentist can be a great help in selecting the best product for your needs. Remember that the use of specialised oral gloves should not replace regular dental care and good oral hygiene, although it can be convenient.
Keep your smile beautiful and healthy with the advice of Nou Dent Clinics!
