Mouthwash Use And Ingredients

Mouthwash, sometimes known as mouth rinse, is one of the many tools used by people in practicing proper oral hygiene. As an alternative to using the toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as dental flosses, mouthwash has been known to prevent certain bacterial plaque that cause some of the many mouth related diseases such as caries, gingivitis, and halitosis or bad breath. Mouthwashes, particularly anti-cavity mouthwashes, usually contain fluoride, a typical element present in almost every toothpaste. This, however, does not eliminate the need for eitheror flossing. brushing

Common usage

For regular use, about 20ml (2/3 fl oz) of the mouthwash solution is swished or gargled for about half a minute to rinse the mouth. Afterwards, it is spat out. This is done two times a day after brushing, usually once in the morning and once at night for best results. In some brands, the expectorate is stained, so that one can see the bacteria and debris. According to the dentist glendale, it is advisable to use the mouthwash at least an hour after brushing with toothpaste when the toothpaste contains sodium lauryl sulfate, since the anionic compounds in the SLS toothpaste can deactivate cationic agents present in the mouthrinse, thus eliminating the usefulness of mouthwash.

Ingredients

Ingredients commonly found with commercial mouthwashes may include:

* Thymol (for aromatic odor and strong antiseptic properties)

*Eucalyptol (pleasant spicy aroma and taste)

* Hexetidine (anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent)

* Methyl salicylate (provides fragrance)

* Menthol (for fresher breath)

* Chlorhexidine gluconate (limits the growth of bacterias)

* Benzalkonium chloride (known for its disinfectant formulation)

* Cetylpyridinium chloride (an antiseptic that kills bacteria and other microorganisms)

* Methylparaben (antifungal agent)

* Hydrogen peroxide (to provide whiter teeth. Also used for tooth bleaching or whitening gels)

* Domiphen bromide

* Fluoride (to make teeth stronger)

* Calcium (similar with fluoride, to make teeth stronger)

Others may also include sweeteners to eliminate the strong taste of other ingredients. This may include:

* Sorbitol

* Sucralose

* Sodium saccharine

* Xylitol (which doubles as a bacterial inhibitor)

Other Ingredients

Sometimes a significant amount of alcohol (up to 27% vol) is added, as a carrier for the flavor, to provide "bite", and to contribute an antibacterial effect. But according to the dentist glendale, because of the alcohol content, it is possible to fail a breathalyzer test after rinsing; in addition, alcohol is a drying agent and may worsen chronic bad breath. Furthermore, it is possible for alcoholics to abuse mouthwash.

For other commercial mouthwashes that do not use alcohol, they usually contain a preservative such as sodium benzoate to preserve freshness once the container has been opened. According to the dentist glendale, many newer brands are alcohol-free and contain odor-elimination agents such as oxidizers, as well as odor-preventing agents such as zinc ion technology to keep future bad breath from developing.