Good oral hygiene consists of a daily regimen of brushing, flossing, and rinsing to prevent tooth decay and other bacterial infections. We often get asked what the best type of toothbrush to use is, but we also get asked about mouthwash as well.
There are many different types of mouthwashes to choose form, and each will have varying effects on your oral health. So which type is best for you?
Gum Health
Antiseptic mouthwashes are made to reduce the majority of bacteria on and near the gum line. Using this type of mouthwash can help decrease your chances of getting gingivitis. If possible, look for a mouthwash with antibacterial or antimicrobial ingredients.
Fluoride
Fluoride is beneficial for not only oral health but it can help prevent tooth decay as well. If you drink a lot of bottled water without fluoride, we may recommend that you consider a rinse with fluoride in it.
Bad Breath
Although mouthwash is mainly designed to prevent bacterial build-up within the mouth, many people use it to fight bad breath. Most mouthwashes will help eliminate the bacteria causing bad breath, and some are specifically designed to do so.
However, if bad breath is a chronic problem for you, that requires daily treatment with a mouth rinse, let us know if this is that case and we can discuss your symptoms.
American Dental Association Approval
The ADA reviews mouthwashes and rinses for safety and effectiveness. If an item has the ADA Seal of Approval, that means it meets strict criteria, and will have scientific evidence or clinical studies that support the claims of the manufacturer. If possible, select a mouthwash that has the ADA Seal of Approval to ensure you are using a high-quality rinse.
If you have any additional questions about Mack and Hansen Orthodontics or want to discover how Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen can help you gain straighter teeth and a healthier smile with braces or Invisalign please contact us today! You can also visit www.etxortho.com to learn more about our orthodontists and request a complimentary consult, or you can call us at 903-212-7737. We’re conveniently located in Longview, TX and are just a quick drive from Marshall, Carthage, Henderson, Kilgore, and Gilmer.
