Mouthwash is an antibacterial rinse that you use after you brush your teeth or whenever your breath needs freshening. People use mouthwash for various purposes; knowing the difference between mouthwashes can help you get a better understanding of what types of mouthwash to buy.
Importance of Mouthwash
It’s important to brush and floss twice daily. Mouthwash is simply an additional way to help kill germs and bad breath. Mouthwash can help get into the places between teeth and underneath the gums that most toothbrushes and flosses cannot reach. It is a great way to kill these hard-to-reach bacteria and freshen breath. You can use mouthwash before or after brushing or whenever you simply want to freshen your breath a bit. The type of mouthwash you’ll want to buy depends on whether you’re interested in killing bacteria or freshening breath.
Types of Mouthwash
Various types of mouthwash are available. Luckily, consumers have their pick when it comes to this antibacterial and antimicrobial rinse. There are two main types of mouthwash on the market: one for bacteria and one for bad breath.
The antibacterial mouthwash has chemicals to kill both bad breath and bacteria. Some of the ingredients may include: etylpyridnium chloride, fluoride and peroxide. Other ingredients may also include essential oils for taste, smell and antibacterial properties. Other mouthwashes, such as ones with chlorhexidine, are generally not sold in stores and can only be purchased with a prescription.
Some mouthwashes simply mask bad breath without kill the source bacteria. These mouthwashes often come in a variety of flavors and colors. It’s always helpful to ask your dentist for advice regarding which mouthwash is most suitable for you.
Which Mouthwash Is Best?
The type of mouthwash you use depends on your purpose. Do you want to freshen your breath, or do you want to kill bacteria? Do you want to do both? Some people love the taste of nonmedicinal mouthwash and simply want to mask the odor of food; some people even just want a refreshing taste in their mouths. But if you want to also kill bacteria, you’ll want to use a mouthwash with the right antiseptics. It will both freshen breath and kill the bacteria lingering in your mouth.
