Mouthwash: what does it do and which is the best for you?

If you want to improve your oral hygiene routine, incorporating the use of mouthwash may be the missing piece of the puzzle. The use of mouthwash is often overlooked, but including it as a complement to daily brushing and flossing is essential to completing your oral hygiene routine.

In this article we will explain what mouthwash is, the different types that exist and what each one does. We will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using mouthwash, as well as which is best for each case.

What is mouthwash?

Mouthwash, also known as mouth rinse or oral rinse, is a liquid product used to maintain oral hygiene. It is usually used after brushing and flossing to provide extra protection for your oral health.

What does each type of mouthwash do?

There are different types of mouthwash, each of which has a specific use depending on the case and the objectives to be achieved. In order to choose which to use, we recommend asking a dentist for advice on what each type of mouthwash does and which is best for your particular case. Below we will look at the different types of mouthwash and what each of them does.

Therapeutic mouthwashes

Therapeutic mouthwashes are the types that are recommended or prescribed under medical supervision by dentists or dental hygienists. Therapeutic mouth rinses may be specifically recommended to treat certain oral health problems. Here are the most common types of therapeutic mouthwashes and what they do:

• Antimicrobial mouthwash: Antimicrobial or antibacterial mouthwashes contain active ingredients designed to reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth. They are effective in fighting plaque and preventing gum disease. These types of mouthwashes are not only suitable for maintaining general oral hygiene, but can also be useful for specific problems such as gingivitis.

• Antiseptic mouthwash: Antiseptic mouthwash contains active ingredients that help prevent or treat infections in the mouth thanks to their ability to disinfect. Antiseptic mouthwashes are especially useful after dental procedures or in cases of mouth ulcers.

• Antibiotic mouthwash: Antibiotic mouthwashes are the latest to hit the market. They contain active ingredients designed to fight viruses in the mouth. Antibiotic mouthwash helps to reduce the spread of viruses, such as oral herpes.

Cosmetic mouthwashes

In addition to being good for our oral health, mouthwashes also have cosmetic uses that could help to improve our teeth’s aesthetics. Below we will discuss some of the most common cosmetic uses of mouthwashes:

• Mouthwash for bad breath: The main benefit of this type of mouthwash is to eliminate bad breath. Odour-free breath helps you to show off your teeth with confidence and leave a lasting impression on others.

• Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash with whitening effect: Mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide is formulated to generate a whitening effect on teeth. This product helps to remove surface stains on teeth. Whitening mouthwashes also have disinfectant properties, as hydrogen peroxide fights bacteria and viruses in the mouth.

• Mouthwashes for fresh breath: These types of mouthwashes, in addition to fighting bad breath, can help maintain long-lasting freshness.

• Mouthwash for dry mouth: Dry mouth can make you feel uncomfortable and cause irritation to the sufferer. Mouth rinses are formulated to combat dry mouth by increasing oral moisture and relieving the uncomfortable feeling of dryness.

It is important to bear in mind that the cosmetic results of using mouthwashes are not as immediate or impressive as those obtained by professional aesthetic procedures. However, regular use of oral rinses can help to improve the aesthetics of the mouth in the long term.

How to use mouthwash correctly

If you want to know how to use mouthwash correctly and get the best results for your health, here are some tips:

1. Use the correct dose: Pour the recommended amount of mouthwash into the cap. The amount varies depending on the product, so check the packaging.
2. Gargle and rinse: Take a sip of undiluted mouthwash and gargle for 30 seconds. Be sure to spread the oral rinse all over your mouth, including between your teeth.
   
3. Spit out the mouth rinse after gargling: It is important that you do not swallow it, as some ingredients may harm your stomach.
   
4. Don't rinse: After using mouthwash, avoid rinsing your mouth or drinking water. This will help keep the active ingredients on your teeth and in your mouth for longer, maximising the benefits of the mouthwash.
   

There are also some other factors to bear in mind when considering how to use mouthwash:

• Timing is important: Use it after brushing and flossing. This ensures that your teeth are clean before using the mouth rinse.

• Consider the frequency of use: The recommendation for how often to use the mouthwash can be found in the instructions.

Advantages and disadvantages of mouthwash

Using mouthwash offers a number of advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when making an informed decision about including it in your dental routine. Here are some of the most important advantages and disadvantages of using mouthwash:

Benefits of mouthwash

Some of the benefits of using mouthwash are as follows:

• Combating bad breath: Mouth rinses effectively help to reduce bad breath and provide freshness.

• Protecting teeth: Mouth rinses containing fluoride help to strengthen tooth enamel and protect against decay.

• Gum health: Specific oral rinses to protect the gums can reduce gum problems and promote overall oral health.

• Plaque reduction: Mouth rinses can help to remove plaque, making it easier to clean teeth.

• Specific uses: Mouthwashes are available for specific needs, such as sensitive teeth or for use after surgery.

Disadvantages of mouthwash

As with everything else, mouthwash also has some disadvantages. Here are some of them:

• Not suitable for everyone: Mouth rinses are not suitable for everyone and can cause side effects for people who are sensitive to certain ingredients.

• Cost: High-quality mouthwashes can be expensive and, therefore, increase the cost of oral care.

• Time: Gargling and rinsing with mouthwashes requires more time to complete the dental routine.

• Taste: The taste of oral rinses can be unpleasant for some people.

What’s the best mouthwash for your needs?

Choosing the best mouthwash is important for maintaining your oral health. There are many types of mouth rinses on the market and it can be difficult to select the one that best suits your needs. So what’s the best mouthwash? Here are some steps to help you choose the right one for you:

• Consult your dentist: Your dentist is the best source of information when it comes to finding the best mouthwash for you. They would be able to assess your oral health and make recommendations.

• Determine your goal: Think about the main goal you want to achieve by using an oral rinse – do you want to fight bad breath, treat gum problems, prevent cavities or reduce plaque? Depending on your preference, you can find the most suitable type of mouthwash for you.
• Read the ingredients: Check the ingredients on the mouth rinse packaging. Some contain fluoride to protect teeth, while others contain antimicrobials to fight bacteria.
  
• Consider special needs: If you have special needs, such as sensitive teeth or allergies, look for mouthwashes specifically designed to treat these problems.
  

Mouthwash routine: when to use it

Incorporating mouthwash into your daily dental hygiene routine can help improve oral health.

Here we explain when to use mouthwash in your routine – whether it is best before or after brushing – and whether it is a substitute for brushing.

Mouthwash before or after brushing

The question of whether to use mouthwash before or after brushing is often debated. The general recommendation by dentists is to use mouthwash after brushing. This has the advantage of first mechanically removing all plaque and food debris from the teeth. Afterwards, the mouthwash helps to fight the remaining bacteria and promotes fresh breath. If the oral rinse is used before brushing, it may have an impact on the effectiveness of the toothpaste, as some ingredients in the mouthwash may reduce the action of the fluoride contained in the toothpaste.

Use of mouthwash instead of brushing? Our advice

The idea of relying solely on mouthwash instead of brushing may seem tempting, but it is important to stress that mouthwash alone cannot replace brushing. Brushing is essential to removing plaque and food debris. However, mouthwashes with antibacterial properties are a complement to the oral hygiene routine. They help fight bacteria, reduce bad breath and address specific oral health problems. However, mouthwash should not be used instead of brushing – it should complement it. Thorough cleaning of the teeth twice a day with a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss remain the cornerstones of healthy oral hygiene.

Impress can help you maintain good oral hygiene

At Impress we’re experts in invisible orthodontics and oral health care. Our innovative technology and expertise not only help to improve your teeth, but also your oral hygiene. With removable aligners, we make it easy to clean your teeth and maintain good oral health. Our experts give personalised recommendations to each patient and help you achieve healthier, more aligned teeth.

If you are interested in finding out how Impress can help you improve your oral hygiene and align your teeth, visit your nearest Impress clinic and meet the team of professionals who would supervise your treatment. You can also book an appointment online, by phone on +44 20 3808 1072, or via WhatsApp.