We're here to give some insight into how mouthwash actually effects your oral health!
We know how overwhelming it can be to stand in the oral care aisle and try to choose from the wall of mouthwash products.
Non-Alcoholic? High Strength? All Natural? Minty or Sweet? So many choices!! And does it even work? Is brushing and flossing enough? Is it bad for your gums? What about for the kids? It's all too much.
Fear not; we're here to help! We'll guide you through the different types to choose from, the benefits and cons of mouthwash, as well as their effects on children's oral health.
Types of Mouthwash
Mouthwash comes in many different forms, designed for a variety of oral health conditions. They can be primarily broken down into two categories:
Cosmetic Mouthwash: Cosmetic mouthwash is mainly used to freshen breath. It's a temporary measure that works similarly to other breath fresheners like mints or gum, and is great to refresh your breath while you're out during the day.
Therapeutic Mouthwash: Therapeutic mouthwash also freshens your breath, but is designed to target different issues that may be contributing to bad breath, or to alleviate oral health problems such as tooth sensitivity or staining.
Types of Therapeutic Mouthwash:
Antibacterial Mouthwash
Fluoride Mouthwash
Antiseptic Mouthwash
Whitening Mouthwash
Alcohol-Free Mouthwash
Natural or Herbal Mouthwash
Dry Mouth Mouthwash
Prescription Mouthwash
Desensitizing Mouthwash
Benefits of Mouthwash
Mouthwash can provide many benefits and can be a great addition to your oral health care routine! But, it's important to still brush and floss - think of mouthwash like the cherry on top. A good sundae doesn't need a cherry, but it definitely makes it better!
Freshens Breath
Helps to Reduce Plaque
Strengthens Teeth
Can Whiten Teeth
Promotes Overall Oral Health
Soothes Mouth Sores and Irritation
Reduces Risk of Respiratory Infections
Supports Dry Mouth Management
Cons to Consider
While mouthwash can provide a lot of benefits, there are definitely some cons to think about before implementing it into your routine.
Can Mask Underlying Oral Health Issues
Can Cause Dry Mouth
Potential for Irritation
Can Disrupt the Oral Microbiome
Staining
Ineffective for Thorough Cleaning
Risk of Swallowing (Especially for Children)
Concerns over Alcohol Ingestion
Mouthwash for Kids
Mouthwash can be both beneficial and potentially harmful for children, depending on several factors such as age, the type of mouthwash, and how it's used.
If you believe mouthwash would be a good addition to your child's oral health routine, visit your dentist to inquire about product type and usage guidelines based on your child's individual oral health needs.
Make sure to supervise young children when they use mouthwash, to make sure they're using it properly and not swallowing. Start with child-friendly mouthwashes first, unless otherwise advised by a dentist. Child-friendly versions usually contain safer, less irritating ingredients and milder flavours.
Age Appropriateness
Types of Mouthwashes for Children
Benefits
Risks
While mouthwash isn't inherently bad for children, its use should be carefully considered based on the child's age, the type of mouthwash, and under professional guidance. For most young children, regular brushing and flossing, along with routine dental check-ups, are sufficient for maintaining good oral hygiene.
So, would you consider adding mouthwash into your oral health care routine? Maybe you use it already! We recommend finding a product that works well for you and using it after brushing and flossing. Like we said earlier, it's not necessary if you brush and floss well, but it definitely helps!
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Give us a call on (07) 5541 2296 to chat to one of our friendly receptionists.
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