While brushing and flossing are the main aspects of oral care, mouthwash is a close third in terms of its effectiveness. But it’s important to know that not all mouthwashes are designed for the same purpose. Some mouthwashes freshen your breath and that’s all, while others can whiten teeth, kill bacteria, and more. Discover the various types of mouthwash, their common ingredients, and which of them may be right for you.
What Do You Need Mouthwash For?
To find the mouthwash that’s perfect for you, it’s important that you understand the reason you need it most. If whitening teeth is your top concern, then choosing a mouthwash that contains peroxide will be your best bet. Most mouthwashes will freshen your breath, and numerous flavors such as mint and cinnamon are available for that purpose. A mouthwash that actually fights plaque and helps your oral health may be a bit harder to come by because they are often available via a prescription from your doctor.
5 Common Types of Mouthwash
From a medical standpoint, the two categories of mouthwash are therapeutic and cosmetic. However, with hundreds of variations on the market, there are now at least five distinct types of mouthwash available for your oral care routine.
- Fluoride
Fluoride is vital for preventing tooth decay, and unless your mouthwash has either fluoride or antiseptic
ingredients, it ’s probably providing little to no protection for your teeth.
- Cosmetic
Teeth-whitening has become a multi-billion dollar industry, and mouthwashes with
whitening ingredients are extremely popular.
- Antiseptic
Traditionally containing more alcohol than other types, antiseptic mouthwashes are
typically available via a prescription. With the power to kill germs, antiseptic mouthwash
can be effective at treating certain conditions or freshening up your mouth.
- Natural
Many consumers don’t want to use any chemicals or ingredients they can’t trace to a
natural source. For such patients, natural mouthwashes will be their only choice. Experimenting with various types of natural mouthwash can help you find the ideal type for you.
- Total Care
Of the many varieties of mouthwash on the market, some attempt to do everything at
once. These types provide multiple benefits and they’re typically listed on the front label.
2 Effective Examples of Mouthwash
With so many choices available, it can be a challenge to find the mouthwash that covers all your needs. Try the following two mouthwashes that are widely considered to be among the best, and see which one is optimal for you.
1. Cool Mint Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash
With the ADA Seal of Approval directly on the front label, you know you’re getting a mouthwash that can truly improve your oral health. This product by Listerine is bright green in color and has the ability to kill germs that cause plaque, bad breath, and gum disease. Available in multiple sizes and packages, you can’t go wrong with this Antiseptic Mouthwash by Listerine.
2. TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse
Also adorned with an ADA Seal of Approval but for different reasons, this Fresh Breath Oral Rinse by TheraBreath is one of the absolute best products at eliminating bad breath. With its patented oxygenating formula, this oral rinse from TheraBreath keeps your breath fresh for a remarkable 12-hours after each use.
Which Type of Mouthwash Do You Prefer?
Any mouthwash you use will include some benefit to your smile, breath, or oral health, but it’s important to know which type you need for the best results. Excellent oral health care at home is crucial for keeping your teeth strong and healthy and the right mouthwash can be an effective part of that process. Along with practicing great home care, remember to make it to your biannual dental appointments – if you’re ready for your next exam, contact Dr. Kovacevic and his team today.
Why did I become a dentist? What makes me wake up in the morning?
It's hard to answer this question and not sound cheesy, but the truth is that there is something special about the way a patient smiles at you after looking at their new crown or their new veneer, or even after a simple cleaning. There's a gleam of confidence and awareness in their eyes, and it's absolutely magical. That's why I'm a dentist.
It's hard to answer this question and not sound cheesy, but the truth is that there is something special about the way a patient smiles at you after looking at their new crown or their new veneer, or even after a simple cleaning. There's a gleam of confidence and awareness in their eyes, and it's absolutely magical. That's why I'm a dentist.