This is a question we are commonly asked by our patients.
Mouth rinses are not strictly necessary for maintaining good oral hygiene, however they can be a helpful supplement in for particular patients. Mouth rinses can contain a variety of ingredients, including antiseptic agents (like chlorhexidine or alcohol) to fight bacteria, fluoride to help prevent cavities, or essential oils for freshening breath.
There are generally two types of mouth rinses:
- Cosmetic Mouth Rinse: Primarily used for freshening breath. It may not have any antibacterial properties but can temporarily mask odours. These work well to temporarily freshen breath after meals, however are generally not recommended straight after brushing teeth as they may remove the fluoride from the toothpaste from the surface of teeth.
- Therapeutic Mouth Rinse: Contains ingredients that help fight bacteria, reduce plaque, prevent gingivitis, and even help with oral issues like dry mouth.
- Fluoride mouth rinses can be beneficial for individuals at higher risk of tooth decay, such as those with a history of cavities, dry mouth, or poor brushing habits. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities.
- Therapeutic mouthwashes that contain ingredients like chlorhexidine can help reduce inflammation and gum disease (gingivitis/periodontitis), especially in combination with regular brushing and flossing.
- After procedures like tooth extractions or periodontal treatments, a mouth rinse might be recommended for a short time, to help promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.
Mouth rinses can be a useful addition to your oral hygiene routine, but they’re not necessary for everyone. If you have specific oral health concerns, such as gingivitis, cavities, or persistent bad breath, a mouth rinse may be a good choice, but it's important to choose the right one for your needs. Always follow the recommendations of your dentist or Oral Health Therapist, especially if you have any existing oral health conditions.
If you are unsure then please reach out to us here at Urban Dental Studio, and we will be happy to help you in the best way possible.