Mouthwash is one of the popular dental care products, along with toothpaste and brush. Many stereotypes have formed around this product, which are actually misunderstandings. Dentist and orthopedist Alen Gafizov told socialbites.ca the facts you need to know about mouthwashes and how to use them correctly.
The first myth is that all mouthwashes work the same way. But the difference lies not only in their taste and color, but also in their actions. You just need to find the formula suitable for the product, then the result will not take long to come.
“There are hygienic and cosmetic rinses. Their main purpose is to take a fresh breath and complete the teeth cleaning process by removing food residues from areas that the brush cannot reach. And there are preventive and even therapeutic rinses, the task of which is to prevent and participate in the complex treatment of oral diseases. “The importance of these is often underestimated when we only buy toothpaste and brush for care, but the product significantly slows down the formation of plaque, prevents the formation of caries and improves the condition of the gums,” he explained.
For example, mouthwash compositions containing oak bark extract have a pronounced hemostatic effect, and formulas containing cetylpyridinium chloride and tea tree oil destroy cariogenic bacteria, help regenerate enamel and strengthen gums, and also help prevent the destructive effect of plaque on tooth enamel and gums.
The second myth is that mouthwash replaces tooth brushing.
“Regular mechanical brushing of teeth is necessary twice a day. Only with its help you can clean your teeth from the plaque that forms during the day and forms a rather thick film on the enamel. Rinse polish can help combat this by enhancing the effect after cleaning. It is important to remember that mouthwash and toothpaste are not interchangeable: they are united only by a common goal – to maintain and improve the condition of the oral cavity, but their tasks are different,” the doctor noted.
The third myth is that you should rinse your mouth with water after gargling.
“This is a misconception, because rinsing your mouth with water after rinsing leads to the leakage of the beneficial components of the product from the oral cavity. In addition, it is better to avoid eating and drinking for at least 30 minutes after the procedure, so that the active ingredients of the product can perform their functions most effectively. It is also important to spend at least 30 seconds rinsing to better clean the interdental spaces and allow the product ingredients to do their job,” said the dentist.
The fourth myth is that mouthwash can be swallowed.
“If the mouthwash does not contain ethyl alcohol, then accidental ingestion of a small amount will not cause harm, of course, in the absence of a diagnosed allergy to any component of the composition. However, this does not mean that you can safely drink mouthwash: this product is not intended for food use. When purchasing a product, it is important to study its composition, especially if you plan to use the product with the whole family. Then it is better to choose a universal formula with natural ingredients, suitable for both adults and children over a certain age,” said the doctor.
The fifth myth is that children should not use mouthwash.
“Children can use this or that product if they have a specific description. The adult’s task is to choose mouthwash appropriate for the child’s age. As a rule, age restrictions are indicated on the packaging of a particular product. “If there is no such instruction, the product is by default intended for people over the age of 14,” he concluded.
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Source: Gazeta
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.