Mouthwash is not exactly a substitute for your regular toothpaste, but it can, however, be a helpful supplement. With several options available, you may be wondering how you can spot the best mouthwash out there. Note that your choice of mouthwash will depend on what you want to achieve with it. This guide has compiled all you need to know before you buy the best mouthwash for your oral health.
Things to consider before buying a mouthwash
Here is a list of some of the main things you must consider before you buy a mouthwash.
· Know what you need
Why exactly do you want to purchase your mouthwash? What do you want to accomplish with it? These questions are needed for anyone looking to buy mouthwash. Note that these oral care products come with different functions and formulas, which is why you should only buy one that works well with your oral health.
Usually, some of the mouthwash products out there help with bad breath and dry mouth. Also, some of the products help with fighting tooth decay and kill the bacteria behind the condition. There are even some mouthwashes that provide comprehensive care irrespective of your overall health situation.
· Antibacterial
Bacteria and plaque are two core issues that hamper oral hygiene and health. What the plaque does is create an enabling environment for bacteria to flourish. Therefore, you should keep fighting plaque each day so it doesn't accumulate and give you issues. Although your toothpaste does a good job here, a mouthwash with useful antibacterial features does a great job at complementing the paste. When regularly used, the paste will do a decent job of preventing infections like gingivitis.
· Free from alcohol
Some of the mouthwash products out there use alcohol for dissolving the essential oils contained in them. Although alcohol does a decent job for that purpose, many users do not feel comfortable with it because it dries out, burns, and irritates their mouths. This perhaps could be why most brands do not include it in their formulas again. Note that even top brands that contain alcohol in their formula also offer drink-free mouthwash. It doesn't matter if you are faced with a sensitive mouth, dry mouth, or canker sores— you should think of getting an alcohol-free mouthwash.
· Certification
Another essential factor to consider when scouting for mouthwash is the American Dental Association seal of endorsement. The association goes through scientific evidence made available by the manufacturers to ascertain if the product is up to the association's standards in terms of safety and efficacy. Note that the ADA seal is fixed on products that the association feels is effective and safe. Also, this seal guarantees you that dental experts have confirmed the claims of efficacy by the manufacturer.
· Presence of fluoride in the mouthwash
Fluoride ranks as one of the core ingredients in oral care, and it is essential when dealing with mouthwash. Although you may use fluoride paste to brush your teeth, the result you get after rinsing your mouth may not be what you desire. Using a mouthwash with fluoride to rinse the mouth has its unique benefits, which is why you should consider it before you buy any.
· Cost
The cost of a mouthwash depends on the producer. However, you must be more focused on getting total value for your money. It would help if you got several affordable and effective brands out there, such as the one in our product review.
Benefits of using mouthwash
The best mouthwash out there comes with several outstanding benefits for your oral hygiene and health. Here are some great reasons why you should use them:
· Cleaner and fresher mouth
Although toothpaste does a decent job keeping your mouth clean, mouthwashes help to improve the result. The best ones are designed to remove harmful breath bacteria and germs, and the formula also assists in eliminating awful taste in your mouth.
· Relief from sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity can be pretty frustrating. With mouthwash, you can soothe the sensitive parts of your mouth if it is regularly used. Also, the fluoride content will help you fight off dental decay while also protecting your teeth.
· Relief from dry mouth
For victims of dry mouth, mouthwash will give comfort and relief. Note that the taste helps the salivary gland produce more moisture for your mouth.
· Ease of use
Many of the best products out there come inside a bottle that is easy to open. Note that you can easily open the bottle and have the content of the mouthwash in your mouth, killing the bacteria and germs in the mouth. If you have limited dexterity and can't easily floss or brush, mouthwashes are the best option. Also, for those who have orthodontic fittings in their mouth, mouthwash can be used to remove bacteria.
Tips for using your mouthwash
· Use it consistently
Irrespective of the constituents, a mouthwash is only as effective as the frequency of your use. Also, if you do not notice any difference while using the brand you are on, you may change it.
· Swish for 60 seconds
The best way to guarantee your rinse will work effectively is by swishing it in your mouth for a minute. Make sure you adhere to the dosage instructions in addition to the swish time if you want it to work correctly.
· Please don't abuse it.
Do not use the mouthwash beyond the limit recommended as abusing the mouthwash may cause long-term dental issues.
· Floss and brush
A general school of thought is that you can stop brushing and flossing because you are using a mouthwash. But one thing you must never forget is that mouthwash combined with brushing your teeth with a good paste helps improve your dental health and extend the life of your teeth.
Mouthwash FAQs
Q. How effective are mouthwashes?
A. Several benefits come with using mouthwash, such as cutting down the risk of cavities, bad breath, gum disease, and also helping to treat oral sores and dry mouth.
Q. Is it possible to eliminate gum disease with mouthwash?
A. Indeed, therapeutic mouthwashes can be used to cut down and control gingivitis and plaque. However, this must be coupled with added treatment. Ensure you have a word with your dentist if you feel you may be facing gum disease.