Generous use of mouthwash without other oral care measures or without addressing underlying oral health issues would be tantamount to poor oral health. The inherent sweet smell of a fragrance does not annul the state of a dirty body or clothes, it only masks the unpleasantness. For its maximum effect, the body and clothes need to be washed and made clean. Now, let’s appropriate this to oral care. Many often use mouthwash rather than performing thorough oral hygiene with toothbrush and fluoride-containing toothpaste. Mouthwash is not a replacement for daily tooth brushing and flossing, but rather an adjunct. Mouthwashes reduce plaque and gingivitis when used appropriately however, the use of mouthwash without brushing one’s teeth will surely limit the efficacy of the mouthwash. Good oral health is achieved by concerted effects of different oral hygiene measures or practices as will be mentioned later.
Mouthwash, also known as ‘mouth rinse’, is a liquid solution used to rinse the mouth. Some amount is held in the mouth, swished around, and then spat out. It can be used to freshen breath, reduce or control plaque and gingivitis, and kill bacteria that can cause bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. Based on their purposes, different mouthwashes contain different ingredients. Some mouthwashes may contain active ingredients such as cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine, fluoride, peroxide, essential oils, which help control plaque and gingivitis, prevent tooth decay, and whiten teeth. Some may temporarily control bad breath and leave the mouth tasting nice without having any effect on bacteria associated with bad breath.
Children under the age of 6 should not use mouthwash, and those over the age of 6 should be monitored while they use it. This is because they may inadvertently swallow large amounts and experience certain adverse events.
Mouthwashes can be used before or after brushing; however, to get maximum benefits from their use, it is often recommended to wait for at least 30 mins after brushing before using or to rinse vigorously with water after brushing. This is because some ingredients in toothpastes can reduce the effectiveness of mouthwashes.
In addition to using mouthwash, there are several other steps you can take to maintain good oral health, such as:
- Brushing your teeth for at least 2 mins twice daily with a fluoride-containing toothpaste
- Flossing daily
- Regular dental check-ups
Other health-promoting habits such as eating a healthy diet, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, etc., are also advised.
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