Guide to Dental Rinses for Oral Hygiene

Dental rinses are liquid solutions that are used to clean and protect your tongue, gums, and teeth. You do this by swishing it around your mouth for 30 seconds to a minute. The use of mouthwash after brushing can also freshen your breath, kill bacteria that lead to bad breath and provide moisture to the tissues in your mouth.

Some types of dental rinse are available at grocery stores and supermarkets, while others require a prescription from a doctor or dentist. There are two main types of mouthwash: cosmetic and therapeutic. Your dentist might prescribe a particular mouthwash if you are at a higher risk of getting certain dental issues like gum inflammation, tooth decay, dry mouth or gum disease.

A therapeutic mouthwash can also be beneficial following certain dental procedures like periodontal treatments and oral surgery to facilitate healing and provide pain relief. Therapeutic mouthwashes may also be prescribed to you if you have a medical condition or physical impairment that prevents you from brushing your teeth.

Cosmetic Dental Rinses

Cosmetic mouthwash is typically available to the general public. There is no need for a prescription to purchases certain types of this mouthwash. A cosmetic mouthwash can help remove food particles from your teeth, lower the number of bacteria in your mouth, kill the germs that lead to bad breath and whiten your teeth.

There are many cosmetic types of mouthwash that do not contain alcohol, but a vast majority are around 18-26 percent alcohol. That is actually more alcohol that you will find in most alcoholic drinks. For example, most beers have around 5 percent alcohol, while wine has around 10 percent. Flavoring agents also give the rinse a pleasant taste.

Cosmetic mouthwash tends to mask bad breath rather than eliminate it. The fresh breath you get from using one of mouthwash typically lasts only a few hours. If you have persistent halitosis, talk to your dentist since it can be a sign of a serious medical condition like diabetes, a respiratory tract infection, or an oral infection.

Some types of cosmetic mouthwash double as therapeutic rinses since they contain minerals like fluoride that help to strengthen your teeth and protect against cavities.

Therapeutic Dental Rinses

These typically give you all the benefits you get from your average cosmetic mouthwash, but they also contain other ingredients that help to prevent and treat a wide range of oral conditions.

Some of the common types of therapeutic mouthrinses include:

  • Anti-gingivitis

  • Anti-cavity

  • Anti-tartar

  • Antibacterial

  • Antibiotic

How to use Mouthwash

After brushing your teeth, pour about two teaspoonfuls of mouthwash into the cap and pour it in your mouth. Swish it vigorously for 30 seconds to a minute, depending on the instructions on the label. Spit out the mouthwash once enough time passes.

There's no need to rinse your mouth with water after using a mouthwash. Leaving the solution in your mouth after your spit it out gives you extra protection. Contact us to learn more about taking proper care of your teeth or to schedule an appointment.

Get more oral hygiene information or schedule an appointment with St. George Dental Care in our St George dental office here: https://www.stgeorgedentalcare.com. Or call us at (435) 628-9099.

Recent Posts

Tips From Your Dentist To Prevent Halitosis

Various things can cause halitosis, and it can affect your personal, professional, and romantic relationships. Fortunately, a dentist can help diagnose the root cause of your bad breath and recommend appropriate steps to combat it.Here are a few things that patients can do to freshen up.Bad breath is often caused by the same bacteria that…

Cavity Myths Debunked By Your St. George Dentist

Tooth cavities are one of the most common dental issues treated by your St. George dentist. Some people have the luck of learning about the implications of cavities and how to prevent them early in life. Many parents teach their children how to brush and floss correctly and diligently visit the dentist for cleanings and…

Ask A Dentist: Can I Make My Teeth Healthy Again?

Often people find themselves wondering if they can make their teeth healthy again after damages have incurred, but many people are too nervous to visit a dentist. Damaged teeth can put a person’s entire mouth at risk for further things like disease or infection. While people may think that there isn’t hope for themselves once their…

What To Do About Your Dry Mouth

A common term, dry mouth is the term used for a medical condition known as xerostomia. It occurs when the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to keep the mouth wet.Despite the fact that it is uncomfortable to have a dry mouth, it is important to note that saliva aids in the prevention of…


St. George Dental Care

Share
Published by
St. George Dental Care

Recent Posts

Understanding the Look of Temporary Crowns

Have you recently had a dental procedure and are now dealing with temporary crowns? You're…

16 hours ago

Is a Waterpik Better than Flossing? Exploring Dental Care

Oral hygiene is crucial to maintaining overall health, and flossing plays a significant role in…

3 days ago

Death Tooth Smell: Learn the Causes & How to Prevent it

Do you notice an unusual odor when you smile or speak? It could be a…

5 days ago

What Makes Great Smiles? Exploring Dental Care & Self-Care

A great smile can light up a room, boost confidence, and improve overall well-being. It's…

1 week ago

Understanding Sealants Teeth: Guide to Dental Health

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook the importance of oral health. But did…

2 weeks ago

Say No to Fluoride at Dentist—Make Informed Oral Health Choices

Navigating the world of dental care can be overwhelming, especially when making decisions about treatments…

1 month ago