A mouthwash or mouth rinse is a good addition to your oral home care regime. They are NOT a substitute to brushing or interdental cleaning
A mouthwash can be used by anyone over the age of 6 years. There are different types of mouthwash, your dental hygienist can recommend the best one for you. Always choose an alcohol free version if available
They are to be used at a separate time to brushing to gain the maximum benefits. We advise waiting at least an hour after brushing or at a separate time completely, for example, after lunch
2 main ones are, a fluoride containing mouthwash and one that can help with gum disease
A Fluoride mouthwash contains fluoride, the same ingredient found in toothpaste, it gives your teeth added protection against tooth decay by strengthening the enamel. The fluoride helps reduce tooth decay by inhibiting demineralisation (where the tooth becomes weak) and promoting remineralisation (making the tooth much stronger)
A Chlorhexidine based mouthwash helps to reduce dental plaque and bacteria in the oral cavity. Chlorhexidine is the active ingredient and found in mouthwashes such as the well known Corsodyl and less well known Curasept. Curasept contains the same active ingredients as Corsodyl but doesn’t tend to stain teeth as bad, which is the major disadvantage for most patients.
Your hygienist may recommend Curasept if you have signs of gum disease
Listerine is also good as an anti plaque mouthwash, patients prefer the taste of this mouthwash to the Chlorhexidine based ones and is good for freshening breath
Another mouthwash called Peroxyl is chosen by some patients as they find less staining builds up on there teeth due to tea/coffee and foods with strong colourings. Used once a day at a separate time the oxygen bubbles help lift extrinsic staining (staining on the outside of the teeth)
The mouthwash will not whiten teeth, if you wish a whiter, brighter smile then speak with your hygienist or dentist and they will go thought he different options with you.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENTÂ NOW WITH ONE OF OUR DENTAL HYGIENISTS TO DISCUSS WHICH MOUTHWASH WOULD WORK BEST FOR YOU
