7 things to look for in a Mouthwash based on your oral health needs

Using a mouthwash in your regular oral hygiene routine is important as any family dentist would advise. It’s a crucial step that can help prevent cavities, bad breath, and plaque. However, we all have different oral health needs as we are prone to different dental issues. This is why we should be aware of the status of our oral health in order to choose the perfect mouthwash. With stores’ shelves being full of many different products designed for specific needs and problems, the choice can be quite difficult and overwhelming. In this article, we’ll help you to easily choose a mouthwash and to know what you should be looking for next time you are wandering between the shelves. However, it’s best to always confirm with your family dentist before using any dental product.

1. Cavity Protection

When you’re taking care of your teeth and gums, you generally want to prevent cavities from forming and to keep your teeth strong and healthy. In this case, you should be looking for a mouthwash that contains fluoride. Fluoride keeps your enamel strong and this way your teeth are less susceptible to tooth decay.

There are plenty of mouthwashes but not all of them have fluoride as an active ingredient. So make sure you read the label first and search for fluoride in the ingredients. You can also strengthen your teeth with a professional fluoride treatment in your family dentist’s office.

2. Gingivitis Protection

Gingivitis, also known as gum disease, is a common oral health condition many people suffer from. Normally, it’s caused by poor oral hygiene. However, some people are just more prone to having gingivitis no matter how good their oral hygiene is. That can lead to puffy and bleeding gums, gums that hurt when you chew and when you brush and receding gums.

If you already suffer from gingivitis or are just worried about it, make sure you brush twice a day and floss once a day. You should always check any concern you have with your dentist and visit them every 6 months. As an additional step, you should use a mouthwash for gum health to fight plaque and keep your gums strong. Your dentist can recommend the best mouthwash for gingivitis to you.

3. Fight Bad Breath

Bad breath is an embarrassing and uncomfortable thing to deal with. Sometimes it can be caused by smoking or by foods with strong and distinctive scent such as garlic or onions. Other times, however, it can be a sign of bacteria inside your mouth, bad nutrition or a certain medical condition.

If you just need a quick and effective refreshment, you can choose a cosmetic mouthwash that has strong mint flavor and does not contain alcohol. However, these products don’t kill bacteria and if you’re suffering from chronic bad breath, you might want to go for a therapeutic mouthwash. They contain alcohol, kill odorous bacteria, and provide you with a long lasting fresh breath.

4. Dealing with Dry Mouth

If you’re dealing with dry mouth, this means you’re not producing enough saliva. This can be very uncomfortable as it can make speaking, chewing and swallowing difficult. Dry mouth is often a result from dehydration, smoking or as a side effect of certain medications.

If you suffer from this, make an appointment with your dentist so that they can determine what is causing it. They can give you recommendations on a mouthwash that is designed for people with dry mouth. These types of mouthwash help you produce more saliva and lubricate your mouth. That relieves your dry mouth for hours and provides you lasting comfort. Besides that, saliva helps wash out harmful bacteria from your teeth and gums and that is always a plus.

5. Teeth Whitening

A lot of people are fighting with stained or discolored teeth. Stains can be caused by smoking, chewing tobacco or by drinks such as coffee, tea, and red wine. While a teeth whitening mouthwash could not have such great results like a professional dental whitening can, it’s a good addition to your oral routine. Using a teeth whitening mouthwash twice a day can help remove stains on the surface of your teeth. It also acts as a protective shield over your teeth which prevents new stains from forming. If you’re trying to maintain your beautiful white smile, then look for bleaching agents in your mouthwash, such as hydrogen peroxide. However, you should keep in mind that this type of mouthwash will probably not be suitable for you if you have sensitive teeth.

6. Tooth sensitivity

If your teeth hurt from hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks, then you’re probably dealing with tooth sensitivity. In this case, rinsing with a mouthwash for sensitive teeth can relieve the pain. Such mouthwashes contain ingredients that help numb nerve endings and that reduces sensitivity. You can combine this with a toothpaste that is also designed for sensitive teeth for better results. Mouthwashes use desensitizing ingredients to suppress tooth sensitivity. These ingredients coat your tooth enamel and fill in the microscopic tubules. This way your enamel is stronger and your teeth are less sensitive to temperature, air, and sugar. However, to achieve results, you need to use products for sensitive teeth regularly. Be patient as it won’t happen overnight.

7. Mouthwashes Appropriate for Children

It’s best to have a good oral hygiene and healthy dental habits from a young age. This is why it’s good to educate your kid to use a mouthwash together with the regular brushing and flossing. However, choosing a mouthwash for your child can be even harder than choosing one for yourself. While you want your children to have healthy teeth and gums, strong enamel and fresh breath, products designed for adults may not be the right choice for them. Most children don’t like the mint flavor of the majority of dental products and mouthwashes containing alcohol can cause a burning feeling. It’s also important to teach them not to swallow the mouthwash but only to rinse.

It’s best to ask your dentist for advice on a kid-friendly mouthwash that is both effective and safe for them. Such products have fruity flavors and are gentle to kids’ mouths.

Always remember that no dental product can replace the regular dental check-ups you should get every 6 months as recommended by Dr. Gallegos and his team in Albuquerque. And if you have any questions or concerns about a certain mouthwash or another dental product, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist as they’re the ones who know the most about your dental needs.