Table of contents:
- Get to know the content of mouthwash so you know its functions and side effects
- Chlorhexidine as an antiseptic mouthwash
- Cetylpyridinimun chloride, thymol, menthol and methyl salicylate to prevent dental plaque
- Fluoride to prevent tooth loss
- Read the usage rules for optimal results
- Do you still need to brush your teeth if you use mouthwash?
Mouthwash has long been known to get rid of bad breath. But in addition, it turns out that this drug also has benefits for maintaining oral health. The function of mouthwash varies according to type.
The types are generally divided into two, namely drugs that function as cosmetics and function as treatment. For cosmetics, this drug is usually able to keep the breath smell fresh, but there are no chemical or biological active substances. For example, they don't kill the bad breath-causing bacteria. Meanwhile, medicated mouthwash is the opposite.
The mouthwash used for medicinal purposes contains active ingredients that will control or reduce conditions such as bad breath, gingivitis or gingivitis, plaque, and tooth loss. This type of medicine requires a doctor's prescription. But there are also several types that are sold freely.
Get to know the content of mouthwash so you know its functions and side effects
According to a report from The Pharmaceutical Journal, mouthwash that has a variety of active substances is divided into several types. The content of different active substances will have different functions and even side effects. The following are active substances commonly found in mouthwash according to their function.
Chlorhexidine as an antiseptic mouthwash
Chlorhexidine with a content of 0.2 percent is commonly used as a mouthwash prescribed by doctors. This type of drug can kill bacteria, fungi, and spores. This drug is used for example when going to or after performing oral surgery.
This medication is also used for halitosis or severe bad breath. Usually this disease is caused by a sulfur-producing bacterial colony that has spread on the tongue.
Side effects that commonly occur from using the drug chlorhexidine are the appearance of brownish color on the teeth and dentures or denture, increased tartar, loss of the tongue's ability to taste temporarily, and a dry taste in your mouth (xerostomia).
Cetylpyridinimun chloride, thymol, menthol and methyl salicylate to prevent dental plaque
Medicines that inhibit plaque formation on teeth have a variety of active substances that work to help each other. Cetylpyridinium chloride is an active substance that is included in the antibacterial category that will kill bacteria in the mouth.
Delmopinol hydrochloride interacts with the tooth surface and prevents bacteria from sticking to it. Meanwhile, essential oils such as thymol, eucalyptol, and menthol will be able to enter the bacterial cell walls and prevent bacterial enzymes from producing substances that can make bad breath.
This drug is better used not in conjunction with a toothbrush because it will reduce the effect of fluoride in toothpaste.
In addition, this type of medication is more suitable for daily use than an antiseptic mouthwash containing chlorhexidine. For those of you who often experience dry mouth, it is advisable to use drugs with this active substance compared to antiseptic mouthwashes.
Fluoride to prevent tooth loss
Mouthwash that contains fluoride is commonly called preventive mouthwashes because it can prevent tooth loss. Even in some cases it can help treat the early symptoms of dental caries.
This type of drug will be prescribed by a doctor to those of you who are at high risk of having a problem with dental caries. The risk factors for dental caries are frequent eating foods containing sugar, dry mouth, and those of you who wear braces or braces.
Read the usage rules for optimal results
As with other health products, make sure you read the rules for using the mouthwash. Brenner Dental Care points out several points that need attention.
- Some products need to be shaken before you rinse your mouth.
- Nearly all mouthwash is not recommended for children aged seven and under unless prescribed by a doctor. This medicine can be swallowed by children.
- Gargling immediately after eating will help inhibit bacterial growth and bad breath.
- Avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after using mouthwash that contains fluoride. Flouride takes time to strengthen your teeth.
Do you still need to brush your teeth if you use mouthwash?
Although the active substances above have many benefits, regular toothbrush is much more important to do. Mouthwash serves to help, not replace your habit of brushing your teeth. Therefore, make sure you brush your teeth regularly.
