Mouth Rinses
What are the differences in
rinses?
Rinses are generally classified by
the U.S, Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) as either
cosmetic or therapeutic, or a
combination of the two. Cosmetic
rinses are commercial over-the-
counter (OTC) products that help
remove oral debris before or after
brushing, temporarily suppress bad
breath, diminish bacteria in the
mouth and refresh the mouth with a
pleasant taste. Therapeutic rinses
have the benefits of their cosmetic
counterparts, but also contain an
added active ingredient that helps
protect against some oral diseases,
Therapeutic rinses are regulated by
the FDA and are voluntarily
approved by the American Dental
Association (ADA),
Therapeutic rinses also can be
categorized into types according to
use: antiplaque/ antigingivitis rinses
and anticavity fluoride rinses,
Should I use a rinse?
That depends upon your needs.
Most rinses are, at the very least,
effective oral antiseptics that
freshen the mouth and curb bad
breath for up to three hours,
Their success in preventing tooth
decay, gingivitis (inflammation
of the gingival gum tissue) and
periodontal disease is limited,
however, Rinses are not
considered substitutes for regular
dental
examinations and proper
home care, Dentists consider
a regimen of brushing with a
fluoride toothpaste followed
by flossing, along with
routine trips to the dentist,
sufficient in fighting tooth
decay and periodontal
disease.
Which type should I use?
Again, that depends upon your
needs, While further testing is
needed, initial studies have shown
that most over-the counter
antiplaque rinses and antiseptics
aren't much more effective against
plaque and periodontal disease than
rinsing with plain water, Most
dentists are skeptical about the
value of these antiplaque products,
and studies point to only a 20 to 25
percent effectiveness, at best, in
reducing the plaque that causes
gingivitis, anticavity rinses with
fluoride, however, have been
clinically proven to fight up to 50
percent more of the bacteria that
cause cavities, Nevertheless, many
dentists consider the use of fluoride
toothpaste alone to be more than
adequate protection against
cavities, Dentists will prescribe
certain rinses for patients with
more severe oral problems such as
caries, periodontal disease, gum
inflammation and xerostomia (dry
mouth), Patients who've recently
undergone periodontal surgery are
often prescribed these types of
rinses, Likewise, many therapeutic
rinses are strongly recommended
for those who can't brush due to
physical impairments or medical
reasons.
When and how often should I
rinse?
If it's an anticavity rinse, dentists
suggest the following steps,
practiced after every meal: brush,
floss, then rinse, Teeth should be as
clean as possible before applying an
anticavity rinse to reap the full
preventive benefits of the liquid
fluoride, The same steps can be
followed for anti plaque rinses,
although Plax brand recommends
rinsing before brushing to loosen
more plaque and debris, a measure
which has not been clinically
proven to be effective,
If ever in doubt, consult your
dentist or follow the instructions on
the bottle or container, Be sure to
heed all precautions listed,
What is the proper way
to rinse?
First, take the proper
amount of liquid as
specified on the
container or as
instructed by your
dentist into your
mouth. Next, with
the lips closed
and the teeth kept
slightly apart, swish
the liquid around
with as much force
as possible using the tongue, lips,
and sucking action of the cheeks,
Be sure to swish the front and sides
of the mouth equally. Many rinses
suggest swishing for 30 seconds;
Finally, rinse the liquid from your
mouth thoroughly,
Are there any side effects
to rinsing?
Yes, and they vary depending on
the type of rinse. Habitual use of
antiseptic mouth
washes containing high levels of
alcohol (ranging from 18 tO 26
percent) may produce a burning
sensation in the cheeks, teeth and
gums.
Many prescribed rinses
with more concentrated formulas can
lead to ulcers, sodium retention, root
sensitivity, stains, soreness, numb-
ness, changes in taste sensation and
painful mucosal erosions. Most
anticavity rinses contain sodium
fluoride, which if
taken excessively or swallowed,
can lead over time to
fluoride toxicity. Because
children tend to accidentally
swallow mouthwash, they
should only use rinses under
adult supervision, If you
experience any irritating or
adverse reactions to a mouth
rinse, discontinue its use
immediately and consult
your dentist.
This information was compiled for General Dentistry. Your dentist cares about long-term dental health for you and your family and demonstrates that concern by
belonging to the Academy of General Dentistry. As one of the 35,000 general dentists in the United Sates and Canada who are member of the Academy, your dentists
participates in an ongoing program of professional development and continuing education to remain current with advances in the profession and to provide quality patient
treatment. Visit the AGD’s website at www.agd.org. You have permission to photocopy this page and distribute it to your patients.
