What is a mouthwash and how to use it?

Are they really useful? Do they do more than just have fresh breath for a while? Two dentists explain the real function of mouthwashes, give advice on how to use them properly and warn that they are not a panacea: “they will never replace good brushing”.

Freshening breath, helping to control and prevent cavities, reducing gingivitis – gum disease – and controlling dental plaque: these are some of the benefits promised by mouthwashes, liquids that are increasingly variety and space on the shelves of pharmacies and supermarkets.

But are rinses really necessary? Beyond choosing them based on their presentation, their price or the aroma they leave in the mouth, a purchase decision must be informed, so that you can also enjoy the benefits of the product according to your characteristics.

What is a mouthwash used for?

“Mouthwashes are safe and effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis,” says Alejandra Chaparro, a dentist at the Universidad de los Andes clinic. However, although they can be part of an overall oral health care, “they do not replace brushing or interproximal hygiene with dental floss or specific brushes”.

In addition to this, María Fernanda de la Barra, Dental Director of the RedSalud La Dehesa Dental Clinic, says that there are other rinses with an antiseptic role, designed to prevent periodontal disease. These, yes, are prescribed by a specialist. The ones you normally see in supermarkets or pharmacies focus on cleanliness, “reducing hypersensitivity or avoiding bad breath,” he adds.

“In general, its functionality will depend on the active compound in the mouthwash,” he mentions. To play it safe with what you need, it’s best to seek advice from your family dentist, “who can best advise whether or not a person needs mouthwash and, depending on their needs, what type it should use”.

The rationale for the daily use of mouthwashes containing antimicrobials, according to Chaparro, may be due to the following scenarios:

  • When it is difficult to achieve adequate control of bacterial plaque with toothbrushing and flossing/bite brushes.
  • As a method of delivering antimicrobial agents to different mucosal areas of the mouth, which represent a reservoir of pathogenic bacteria that can colonize tooth surfaces and gums.
  • To remineralize incipient carious lesions, abrasions and/or cervical lesions.
  • To moisturize the mouth of patients suffering from dry mouth or problems related to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Types and composition of mouthwashes

In general, explains De la Barra, these mouthwashes or mouthwashes sold over the counter on the shelves of supermarkets or pharmacies, “have as their main characteristics their ability to protect the oral enamel through the elimination of germs and bacteria present in the mouth. , both on the surface of the tooth and on the gums and mucous membranes”.

But there are also “mouthwashes with other active ingredients, focused on desensitizing teeth, whitening teeth or as an adjuvant for periodontal disease”, he adds. Most mouthwashes have anti-plaque properties and other components, “such as essential oils, fluoride, chlorhexidine, desensitizing agents and cetylpyridinium chloride. They also contain denatured alcohol as a delivery vehicle,” Chaparro lists.

“The literature indicates that, despite some adverse effects for some people from alcohol that these have – such as a burning sensation and other contraindications – there is no reason to avoid the use of mouthwashes that contain them, as long as, of course, they are used following the proper instructions of dental professionals and manufacturers,” he says.

The mouthwashes available for free can be classified into three main groups:

Aesthetic mouthwashes

They are indicated to help eliminate food remains and improve breath, as they provide an intense and immediate feeling of freshness.

Ratania Weleda Concentrated Mouthwash


antiseptic rinses

They help control bacterial plaque and reduce or control gingivitis. They usually contain chlorhexidine as a component and are usually prescribed by professionals after oral surgery or periodontal treatments. In this way, healing is promoted and the microbial load is reduced, avoiding superinfections.

Oralgene Antiseptic Mouthwash (Chlorhexidine 0.12%) 120 mL


Fluoride mouthwashes

They protect the teeth from the attack of acids produced by bacterial plaque. Fluoride coats tooth enamel and helps prevent and reverse the early stages of cavities.

You can also find mouthwashes on the market with other active ingredients aimed at desensitizing teeth, whitening teeth or as an adjuvant for periodontal diseases.

Dentaid Fluor-Aid Mouthwash (Sodium Fluoride 0.05%) 500ml


Functions

As we have already said, “each mouthwash has different indications, not all of them pursue the same objective”, explains the specialist from the Clínica Universidad de los Andes. Just as there are specific ones to control gingivitis, there are others for the management of sensitivity and also for the prevention of cavities or its remineralization.

“The most important thing is to review its components and their function,” he goes into detail. “Currently, the best effects for maintaining oral health are provided by chlorhexidine mouthwashes, which combine an antiplaque and antibacterial effect, promoting gingival (gum) health. Also those with fluoride, to reduce the risk of cavities and help with dental remineralization,” he says.

“Ideally, each of them is indicated by your dentist according to your needs: some have undesirable effects and must be used for limited periods of time, while others can be used permanently”, he specifies. .

“What needs to be clear is that the active compound – 0.05% sodium fluoride – is the same in all of these freely available products,” adds De la Barra.

How to rinse

First of all, you must use the recommended measure which will be stipulated on the container. “Each time the rinse is used, it should last about 30 seconds in the mouth or whatever is indicated in the instructions; so you always have to spit it out,” says the Red Salud dentist.

“You don’t have to mix it with water, much less swallow the liquid, since these aren’t designed to be ingested,” he points out.

As an indication, it is specified “do not eat or drink anything 30 minutes after making the mouthwash, to allow the product to do its job longer”.


*Prices for products in this item are current as of April 22, 2022. Their values ​​and availability may change.

Source: Latercera

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