The Final Touch for Proper Home Care…Use a Mouthwash:
There are many types of mouthwash. Let your dentist help choose the right mouthwash so that you can achieve these goals.
less cavities
improved gum health
reduced bacteria in your mouth (and body)
improved breath
Cosmetic mouthwashes:
These mouthwashes offer temporary relief from bad breath only. The emphasis here is - temporary bad breath relief. Cosmetic mouthwashes do not reduce cavities or improve gum health
Therapeutic mouthwash
This includes most of the mouthwashes that you find in stores. Here are some of their important ingredients:
Fluoride: Helps to harden the teeth and reduced cavities.
Potassium nitrate and citrate to reduce tooth sensitivity.
CPC, an antiseptic (to fight bacteria).
Essential oils that act as an antiseptic. There are some doubts about the action of these oils. Some researchers claim that non-harmful, ‘good’ bacteria are also reduced along with harmful bacteria.
Hydrogen peroxide is a whitening agent, however, in most mouthwashes it is too dilute to have any effect.
Some mouthwash contain alcohol which is not shown to provide any particular benefit. Questions about alcohol in mouthwash as a potential cancer promoting agent remain unanswered.
Listerine in the blue bottle is effective. Listerin Total Care Zero in a purple bottle provides important cavity reducing fluoride - particularly important in communities that do not have fluoridated water. It is alcohol free.
About saliva, and saliva-like rinses
Saliva is composed of many separate
components. The role of all these
components is not fully known. Here is what
you find in saliva:
Alpha amylase is a protein for breaking down food. It is also one of many anti-bacterial proteins
Other proteins in saliva (lipase, maltase etc.) also help in breaking down and digesting food.
IgA, an immune protein found in saliva, plays an important role providing defense against bacteria. Many other anti-bacterial substances are also present in saliva.
A long list of minerals including calcium, phosphate and fluoride for hardening teeth.
In summary: saliva hardens teeth,
neutralizes acids, fights
infection, provides taste to food, helps
you break down and
swallow your food.
About artificial saliva mouthwash
(Biotene) for patients with reduced saliva
flow
There are a number of reasons for a decrease in saliva flow. These include disease, advancing age, certain medications, and therapeutic radiation for cancer patients.
Biotene is a popular saliva replacement product that comes as a rinse or gel. Biotin contains three antibacterial and gum-healing proteins plus glycerol for lubrication. Published studies claim that Biotene mouthwash plus Biotene gel has been found to increase oral comfort and chewing comfort for patients.
Peridex and Periogard mouthwash
(chlorhexidine gluconate):
By prescription only.
Effectively reduces levels of oral bacteria and helps limit gingivitis (gum inflammation).
Side effects include rare instances of altered taste and gum irritation. Also, excess calcium (mineral) deposits around the teeth are sometimes observed.
After as little as two weeks, tooth and denture stains can appear. You should look carefully for staining and if stains are noticed, stop use, and consult with your dentist.