Rinse & Spit – All You Need To Know About Mouthwash

Brush, floss, mouthwash. The three keys to great oral hygiene. Brushing makes sense—you rub a paste against your teeth with a prickly fibers. Floss is just thin twine you rub between your teeth. But mouthwash? That’s some chemical stuff that some scientists created (you know scientists were behind it because it’s blue) that kill little bacteria that you can’t even see. So what’s the magic behind the stuff?

 

Mouthwash is so effective because it works on the entire mouth, not just the teeth. It not only gets in between teeth where even floss has a hard time reaching but it works on your cheeks, gums, tongue, anywhere the liquid can flow. Now depending on the brand, there are several chemicals at work killing all the invasive species that cause odor. Some contain Cetlyperadium chloride, which kills bacteria and fights gingivitis. But it’s also used in pesticide so that’s something you definitely want in your mouth. Still others may contain hydrogen peroxide, zinc and other synthetic and/or natural chemicals that do wonders to keep your mouth fresh. Some even have fluoride, which strengthens teeth and works to combat plaque build up.

 

But there is one ingredient found in mouthwash you should be on the look out for: alcohol. While alcohol does do a decent job of hunting down those bacteria like they were criminals on the run, the negative side effects are just too severe to overlook. Alcohol dries out your mouth, which means that when the bacteria returns (as they always do, the sneaky bastards) it has a more fertile feeding ground. And dry mouth does incredible damage to your gums. Not too mention you can fail breathalyzer tests if you take one too soon after rinsing your mouth out with alcoholic mouthwash. So, your best bet is to avoid alcohol all together.

 

Of course, there are more downsides to mouthwash as well. Since there aren’t any discernible traits between the good bacteria that live in your mouth (of which there millions) and all the evil ones, your mouthwash will just kill them all. How does this effect you in the long run? Well, if you use mouthwash properly, it won’t. This means you can’t substitute mouthwash for traditional brushing and flossing too often. Those are still the most effective ways to keep your teeth and mouth clean. Mouthwash is just an enhancer and shouldn’t be used as the primary method of cleaning your oral cavities. And needless to say, please don’t try to use that as a pick up line.

 

PRZman recommends using:

 
For Bad Breath: Look for an antibacterial formula, which fights bad breath, plaque, and gingivitis. Try brands such as Listerine or Crest Pro-Health. Also try SmartMouth, a mouthwash made of sodium chlorite that one mixes with zinc chloride just before use. SmartMouth not only freshen your breath at the time of use, but to keep bad-breath from coming back for 12 hours.

 

For Cavity Prone Teeth: Look for a mouthwash containing fluoride that will coat teeth and protective film that strengthens tooth enamel. Try using ACT Fluoride Rinse or Rembrandt Deeply White Whitening Mouthwash with Fluoride Fresh Mint.

 

For Gingivitis: Ask for a prescription mouthwash that help reduce plaque and prevent gingivitis. Ask your doctor for Chlorhexidine (Peridex) an antimicrobial mouthwash available by prescription.

 

Eco-friendly / All-natural Mouthwash: Want a mouthwash that does not contain alcohol, fluoride, artificial colors or sweetener? Try Tom’s of Maine Natural Baking Soda Mouthwash or Jason Natural Cosmetics Tea Tree Oil Mouthwash.

 

There’s still one thing that mouthwash offers that nothing else can: gargling. It’s by and far the best aspect of it and should be cherished for each precious second you get to experience. So toss your head back, gargle the delicious scientific miracle that is mouthwash, and enjoy your fresh breath!