Table of contents:
- Choosing a mouthwash
- 1. Mouthwash for sensitive teeth
- 2. Mouthwash contains fluoride
- 3. Cosmetic mouthwash
- 4. Mouthwash to whiten teeth
- 5. Mouthwash to remove plaque
- Functions and tips for using mouthwash
- 1. Pay attention to the content of mouthwash
- 2. Gargle the right way
- 3. Stick to a dental hygiene routine
Mouthwash is an important part of your toothbrush routine. However, choosing a mouthwash should not be arbitrary. There are mouthwashes for certain types of teeth and mouth, depending on your needs.
Then, how to choose the right mouthwash for your teeth? Check out the following information.
Choosing a mouthwash
There are various kinds of mouthwash available on the market. Each mouthwash has a different content and function. This is why the efficacy of mouthwash cannot always be compared between one brand and another.
Before choosing a mouthwash, let's first look at the types that are differentiated as follows:
1. Mouthwash for sensitive teeth
Mouthwash for sensitive teeth usually contains an amino acid in the form of arginine. Arginine is alleged to be able to close the small holes in the teeth which are the cause of sensitive teeth. Consult a doctor before you use this product.
2. Mouthwash contains fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that is important for maintaining the strength of the tooth enamel layer. Mouthwash containing fluoride is a good choice if your teeth are brittle, break easily, or are particularly prone to cavities.
3. Cosmetic mouthwash
The main benefit of cosmetic mouthwash is that it makes your breath fresh and smell good. However, cosmetic mouthwash is not always equipped with antibacterial ingredients, so it is not suitable for those of you who want to prevent disease or tooth decay.
4. Mouthwash to whiten teeth
Some types of mouthwash come with a bleach in the form of hydrogen peroxide. If used regularly, this compound can remove stains that stick to the teeth so that the color will gradually return to brighter.
5. Mouthwash to remove plaque
Over time, food scraps and saliva that stick to the teeth can form plaque. Plaque full of bacteria can trigger inflammatory gum disease. Mouthwash to remove plaque usually has antibacterial ingredients in it.
Functions and tips for using mouthwash
If you choose the right mouthwash, this cleaning product actually has great benefits for oral health. Unfortunately, not a few people make the wrong choice of mouthwash so that they don't feel the benefits.
Cosmetic mouthwash is certainly not effective enough to prevent cavities and the formation of dental plaque. On the other hand, mouthwash with antibacterial ingredients is not necessarily able to remove stains on teeth and make them white again.
In order for the benefits to be more optimal, here are some tips that you can follow when using mouthwash:
1. Pay attention to the content of mouthwash
When buying mouthwash, take a look at the ingredients listed. The benefits of mouthwash will be more pronounced if the ingredients are in accordance with your needs. Launch American Dental Association and several other sources, active ingredients that need to be examined include:
- Fluoride to protect tooth enamel.
- Chlorhexidine to prevent plaque formation and gum disease.
- Cetylpyridinium chloride to prevent bad breath and kill bacteria.
- Carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide for whitening teeth.
- Essential oils such as menthol (peppermint), thyme, and eucalyptus to freshen your breath.
2. Gargle the right way
After choosing, mouthwash also needs to be used appropriately. Gargle after every toothbrush, at least 2 times a day. Use as much mouthwash as stated on the packaging label or as directed by your dentist.
You should rinse your mouth for 60 seconds. The reason is, most of the chemicals in mouthwash can only work after 1 minute in the mouth. In this way, you can optimize the benefits of mouthwash for oral health.
3. Stick to a dental hygiene routine
Mouthwash does help to maintain healthy teeth and mouth, but this product cannot replace the function of toothbrush and floss. You still need to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss the gaps.
Mouthwash also doesn't guarantee the health of your teeth and mouth all the time. So, you still need to undergo routine dental checks at least once every 6 months. The examination also helps detect dental and mouth disease early before you choose the right mouthwash.
