Choosing The Perfect Mouthwash
Not all mouths are created equal, which is why not all mouthwashes are either. There are a variety of products that you can find (both over-the-counter and via a prescription) with the help of our Newport Beach dentist to help with your particular needs. However, before going into detail on which mouthwash can help with what symptoms, you should know that mouthwash isn’t a cure-all, save-all product. If you find that your mouthwash isn’t being as effective as it should then speak with Dr. Yazdan, because there could be something else going on that mouthwash alone can’t fix.
There are popular mouthwashes available for the following conditions:
Bad Breath
Bad breath can range from mild to severe, and be temporary or chronic. Mouthwash can be used to improve bad breath, however, these rinses only cover up the foul odor, and don’t address or cure the cause of the problem.
If your bad breath is temporary, then a mouth rinse can alleviate your symptoms and they shouldn’t come back. If you have persistent bad breath (halitosis), then you could be dealing with a more serious condition like an infected tooth or gum disease. Since there are so many causes of bad breath, some of which are very serious, we strongly recommend that you speak with Dr. Yazdan before starting a mouthwash regimen for your bad breath.
Moisturizing Your Dry Mouth
If you have a dry mouth, you need to avoid mouthwashes with alcohol in them, as this ingredient will only cause your mouth to become dryer. If you have severe dry mouth symptoms, then you’re at risk of developing decay quickly. Using a dry mouth rinse that contains fluoride will help prevent cavities.
Gingivitis and Gum Disease
If you have gingivitis or gum disease, then our Newport Beach dentist may want to prescribe you a stronger mouthwash such as chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine is a great medicated rinse that kills the bad bacteria in your mouth. But using this product should only be temporary, therefore, be sure to follow the instructions given to you by our Newport Beach dentist very carefully.
Mouth Sore Rinse
If you have oral sores like ulcers, then an antiseptic rinse may be the right mouthwash for you. Antiseptic formulas can soothe and heal canker sores and ulcers from chemotherapy, as well as tenderness from dental work, and the irritation of a bitten cheek. These rinses can also lessen the soreness caused by oral appliances like partials, dentures, mouthpieces, snoring appliances, Invisalign, and braces. Hydrogen peroxide and salt are a couple of great antiseptic ingredients that you can look for. Lidocaine is an anesthetic that will numb your mouth for a short period of time, allowing you to get relief from the pain of oral sores.
Tooth Sensitivity
Sensitive teeth can be brought on by weakened tooth enamel, whitening products, or gum recession. Luckily, there are mouthwash products that can alleviate your symptoms and strengthen your teeth. Look for active ingredients like potassium citrate, potassium nitrate, calcium phosphate, stannous fluoride, and/or sodium fluoride.
Children’s Oral Care
The right mouthwash formula for adults is often too strong for children. Too high of a fluoride content can actually damage kid’s teeth, so opting to get a rinse that’s specifically made for children is a great idea. These products allow children to get the right amount of medication that’ll help build strong teeth while fighting off cavities.
Adults should always supervise children during their oral care routine. Mouthwashes should be alcohol-free in case they’re ingested, and to be safe, store mouthwash out of the reach of children.
Protection and Prevention
Even if you don’t have any existing oral health issues or concerns, it’s a great idea to protect your teeth and prevent issues from occurring by using mouthwash as part of your regular hygiene routine. When used properly, rinses can reach areas that your toothbrush didn’t and kill germs for a healthier oral environment.
Whitening Your Teeth
If you have yellow or stained teeth and want to whiten them, mouthwash isn’t likely to help very much. On the other hand, if your smile is already bright, or if you’ve just completed a bleaching procedure, using a whitening mouthwash can prolong your results and help you maintain a white smile for a longer length of time.
Don’t over do it with whitening mouthwash. The more you use may not necessarily be better. You can end up damaging your teeth and getting severe sensitivity. If you want a smile that is several shades whiter than what you have now, then speak with our Newport Beach dentist to see what she recommends.
Get Help Choosing The Right Mouthwash
Remember not to ignore your oral symptoms or try to cover them up. If you think you need a mouthwash for a specific condition, then speak with Dr. Yazdan first. She’ll perform an evaluation to determine if a rinse is a good idea, or if another course of treatment is the best solution. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to seeing you!
About Dr. Yazdan
