There are many reasons as to why one uses a mouth freshener. It can be to freshen breath, to help prevent or control tooth decay, to reduce plaque (a thin layer of bacteria that forms on teeth), to prevent or reduce gingivitis, to reduce the rate at which tartar (hardened plaque) forms on teeth, or to produce a combination of these effects. Most mouth freshener are available without a prescription.
What ingredients are commonly found in mouthwash?
The basic ingredients are water, alcohol, cleansing agents, flavoring ingredients and dyes. The active ingredients vary depending on the type of mouthwash like herbal sugar free mouth freshener or flavors sugar free mouth freshener.
– Antimicrobial agents that act directly on oral bacteria to help reduce plaque, decrease the severity of gingivitis and control bad breath.
– Odor neutralizers act by chemically inactivating compounds that cause bad odor.
– Astringent salts can serve as temporary deodorants that mask bad breath.
– Fluoride helps reduce small lesions (tooth decay) in tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to decay.
Do I need a mouthwash?
Your dentist can advise you if you need a mouth freshener based on your oral health needs. The rinse helps remove debris from the mouth. It can be done before or after brushing, but it is not a substitute for brushing or flossing. You may consider or your dentist may recommend the use of mouthwash with fluoride or antimicrobial agents, as part of your daily routine of oral hygiene, but nevertheless, the use of mouth rinses is not essential.