Mouthwash

Introduction

While not a replacement for daily toothbrushing and flossing, use of mouthwash (also called mouth rinse) may be a helpful addition to the daily oral hygiene routine for some people.

  • Children younger than the age of 6 should not use mouthwash, unless directed by a dentist because they may swallow large amounts of the liquid inadvertently.



Types

Broadly speaking, there are 2 types of mouthwashes.

  • Cosmetic mouthwashes may temporarily control bad breath and leave behind a pleasant taste, but have no chemical or biological application beyond their temporary benefit.
  • Therapeutic mouthwashes can help reduce or control plaque, gingivitis, bad breath and tooth decay.



Active Ingredients in Therapeutic Mouthwash

Cetylpyridinium chloride

  • Antimicrobial action.
  • Reduce bad breath, plaque and gingivitis.
  • May cause brown staining of teeth, tongue and/or restorations.

Chlorhexidine

  • Treatment of gingivitis and periodontitis.
  • Prevent alveolar osteitis (dry sockets) after a tooth extraction.
  • Potential adverse reactions include staining of teeth, dentures, and tongue, as well as altered taste.

Essential oils such as eucalyptol, menthol, thymol, methyl salicylate

  • Reduce bad breath, plaque and gingivitis.
  • May be a potential allergen or irritant for some patients.

Fluoride

  • Prevent tooth decay.

Hexetidine

  • Bactericidal and fungicidal antiseptic.
  • 0.1% mouthwash for local infections and oral hygiene.

Peroxide

  • Tooth whitening.

Povidone-iodine

  • 1% mouthwash has been used for oral infections including candidiasis.
  • Can cause hypersensitivity reactions and irritation of the skin and mucous membrane, although severe reactions are rare.



Alcohol Content in Mouthwashes

Alcohol consumption is a risk factor for oral cancers, although studies have not demonstrated an association between mouthwash use and oral cancer.

Since alcohol may also worsen xerostomia, alcohol-containing mouthwashes should be avoided in patients experiencing xerostomia.



Summary

Mouthwash is effective at preventing plaque formation but is unable to remove established, hardened plaque.

  • Once plaque hardens into tartar, it becomes a calcified substance that adheres strongly to teeth. This hardened material requires professional dental cleaning (scaling and root planing) to be removed.




External Links

Comments

Post a Comment