Does it Matter Which Mouthwash I Use?

For many people after brushing and flossing, they take a swig of mouthwash to freshen their breath and make their mouth feel cleaner. However, since there are so many types of mouthwash available today, you may wonder if it matters what type of mouthwash you swish around your teeth and gums. To help answer your questions here is some information about which mouthwash might be right for you and your mouth.

Fluoride Mouthwash

Containing sodium fluoride, fluoride mouthwash is best used if you are mainly concerned about preventing cavities and tooth decay. However, you may want to use this sparingly. Since fluoride is commonly found in toothpaste and tap water, too much fluoride can actually be detrimental to your health, so you should always discuss this with your dentist.

Antiseptic Mouthwash

The most common type of mouthwash and the one used by most people today, antiseptic mouthwash does contain alcohol. As for what it does for you, its primary benefit is stopping bacterial growth in people who may have a mouth infection. Along with this, it is also very helpful in combating halitosis, commonly known as bad breath. When used in conjunction with regular brushing and flossing, antiseptic mouthwash can be very effective. However, using it too often can result in tooth discoloration.

Cosmetic Mouthwash

Though a cosmetic mouthwash doesn’t generally contain any ingredients aimed at helping prevent tooth decay or gum disease, it can be very effective if you simply need something that can freshen your breath or hide bad breath for a little while.

All-Natural Mouthwash

Gaining in popularity with more and more people, an all-natural mouthwash is very similar to antiseptic and fluoride mouthwashes in that it has ingredients that help prevent cavities, tooth decay, infections, and halitosis. However, the key difference is that an all-natural mouthwash is alcohol-free and uses only natural ingredients. When compared to other types of mouthwashes, many people like an all-natural option because they feel its ingredients make it safer to use.

No matter which type of mouthwash you choose to use, you’ll reap quite a few benefits from doing so. By making the use of mouthwash a regular part of your dental care routine along with brushing and flossing, your teeth and gums will thank you.