For being such an innocuous item, mouthwash seems to be highly divisive. Those who incorporate it into their oral health regimen will swear by it, and those who choose to forgo this extra step tout it as superfluous and unnecessary. While it’s true that diligent brushing and flossing should be enough to keep your mouth healthy and your teeth strong, adding a properly formulated mouthwash to your daily routine will hardly cause adverse effects! In fact, research has consistently shown that an extra step of mouthwash can lead to stronger teeth and fresher breath! If you’re curious about which type of mouthwash may be best for you, read on to learn a bit more about the more common types of mouthwash found in stores.
All About Alcohol
Mouthwashes with alcohol are probably the most popular and the most common. Many of us are familiar with advertisements that seem to poke fun at the sting of holding a strong, alcohol-based mouthwash in your mouth for thirty seconds and we’ve likely experienced it firsthand! While strong alcohol in mouthwash can help to kill bacteria found in the mouth, it is also often used to help diffuse other necessary ingredients into the liquid, such as essential oils. That said, even though the sting of alcohol may make it feel like you’re doing a thorough job cleaning, some research has linked alcohol to certain oral cancers. This has led to some concern about the damage caused by swishing strong alcohol around your mouth daily. All in all, mouthwashes that are alcohol-free tend to be a safer alternative than those utilizing this pervasive ingredient.
The Facts on Fluoride
Fluoride is one of dentistry’s greatest allies, especially when it comes to preventing tooth decay! This natural mineral is known to help strengthen enamel, therefore helping your teeth fend off cavities and rot. While fluoride is a necessary ingredient in your oral healthcare routine, you are likely getting plenty of it in your toothpaste and your drinking water, so there’s no need to seek out a fluoride-heavy mouthwash unless your dentist advises you to!
Sticking to the Essentials
Essential oils have seen a rise in popularity lately, and not entirely without good reason! Some of these oils have been found to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties which make them excellent additions to your oral health regimen. You may want to choose a store-bought mouthwash, or you can simply make one at home by adding your own oils to water for a quick mouth refresher. Oils such as peppermint, spearmint, clove, and eucalyptus all have desired cleansing benefits while also helping to enhance the smell of your breath. Essential oils should be used in conjunction with a diligent oral health regimen that combines fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and routine visits to the dentist!
If you’ve got questions about the best mouthwash to incorporate into your daily routine, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist to have your questions answered!
To schedule your next appointment, give us a call at Aurora Dental Group today!
