Fluoride Mouthwash: Use And Benefits

Remember those silly commercials where the people are swishing with mouthwash in front of their bathroom mirrors? They've got funny distorted faces from the burn of the mouth rinse, but by the end of the commercial, their mouth feels sparkly clean. Even so, these ads rarely offer much beneficial information about fluoride mouthwash and how it should be used.  Here are some details about fluoride mouthwash to help you use it properly and understand its benefits:

What Should Be in My Mouthwash?

Just because a liquid is green or blue does not mean it will do any good for your mouth! There are actually a few ingredients that you should look for when choosing a mouth rinse. Here are some of them:

• Fluoride helps to fight against cavities and plaque build-up by remineralizing teeth and decreasing the number of oral bacteria in your mouth.
• Peroxide works as a whitening and disinfecting agent. It will help to clear away yellowing or discoloration as it kills microbes.
• Thymol is an antiseptic compound that works to kill bacteria. It also helps to fight inflammation and irritation of the gums.
• Menthol will contribute to that fresh, clean minty feeling that you expect after swishing.

How Often Should I Rinse?

While each brand of mouthwash will have its own set of instructions, a good rule of thumb is to rinse at least once a day. Whether you choose to swish in the morning or at bedtime is up to you. If you can't decide, try rinsing when you wake up and when you go to bed. That way, you can freshen your mouth and provide cavity protection around the clock.

Is Fluoride Mouthwash Really Necessary?

You may be wondering whether or not you really need to go through the trouble of rinsing with mouthwash. However, if you want to ensure that you are encouraging the remineralization of your teeth and while simultaneously freshening your breath, then you should be using a quality fluoride mouthwash.

Not only will it help your mouth feel tingly and brand new; the mouthwash can help you feel more confident, thanks to its whitening, disinfecting, tooth-building and cleansing properties.

Schedule an appointment with a reputable dental professional in your area such as Ellsworth & Day DDS to learn more about how you can benefit from a fluoride mouthwash. He or she may suggest a particular brand to meet your individual needs.