Different Types Of Mouthwash

              Like many other dental products, mouthwash can be found in many assorted options. If you’re walking through your local drug store’s oral health aisle, scores of options can be seen. Just like with other products, knowing what you want to achieve with your mouthwash will help you decide which one is right for. Mouthwash can be used for several purposes such as whitening teeth, freshen breath, soothing a dry mouth and helping children’s teeth stay healthier. Below is each mouthwash type and its role in various dental health conditions.

Teeth Whitening:
If you want your mouthwash to help whiten your teeth you will want to look for one containing hydrogen peroxide. This is the same ingredient found in whitening strips. While it will not whiten your teeth as much as using a professional whitening kit, it is a great option to use between whitening visits at your dentist’s office. It is also great to use to remove surface stains from drinking acidic beverages like coffee. Swishing in your mouth after you are done with your morning coffee will help greatly reduce the amount of staining from drinking coffee.

Fresh Breath:
In order to freshen breath, the bacteria in someone’s mouth needs to be neutralized as this is what causes bad breath. A mouthwash with an active ingredient of Cetylpyridinium Chloride is what you will want to use. This will neutralize and destroy the bacteria in your mouth. Not only will it remove the bacteria that cause bad breath but also will decrease your chance of gingivitis as it is caused by an accumulation of bacteria.

Dry Mouth:
While dry mouth bothers everyone at some point, some people experience chronic dry mouth. This can not only be very uncomfortable but also detrimental to your dental health. Saliva is used to wash away debris on the teeth and remineralize them after acid erosion. If there is very little saliva in someone’s mouth then it can be difficult for any of this to occur. While there are products specifically designed to increase saliva production, sometimes using a mouthwash can benefit a patient suffering from dry mouth. Using a mouthwash without alcohol in it is advised. The alcohol, while giving the sharp crisp fresh feeling, will also further dry out your mouth.

Mouthwash For Kids:
Regular mouthwash is generally not recommended for children under the age of 6 as they have not fully grasped the concept of swishing without swallowing. Children should really not swallow mouthwash as it contains fluoride which can cause fluorosis in developing teeth. Instead, there are fluoride free mouthwashes that help neutralize bacteria in children’s mouths without having to worry if they swallow some of it. Allowing them to use mouthwash at an earlier age will help them build a stronger dental regiment as they grow older.


There are many products to choose from and knowing what you want to achieve by using mouthwash will help you decide which one is best. If you have any further questions, talk with your dentist or give our office a call. Our staff members will happily offer suggestions about various dental products. 

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