From the office of: Drs. Harder, Pham and Associates 4980 Barranca Pkwy, STE 208 Irvine, CA 92604-4629 Mouthwash (949) 551-2313 I Fact Sheet I The Benefits of Mouthwash Mouthwash has a variety of uses, from have been clinically proven to fight up freshening breath to preventing tooth to 50 percent more of the bacteria decay. Swishing daily with mouthwash that cause cavities. However, cosmetic can help you maintain great oral health mouthwashes that aren’t formulated to by killing the germs and bacteria that kill germs do not provide these cavity- linger in your mouth and between your fighting benefits. teeth. Learn more about the various types of mouthwash and how you can use How do I use mouthwash? them to improve your overall oral health. First, make sure that you brush and floss your teeth well. Your teeth should be as What is mouthwash? clean as possible in order to reap the full Mouthwash, also known as mouthrinse, benefits of your mouthwash. is an oral hygiene product that you can Once you’re ready to rinse, measure use in addition to brushing and flossing. the proper amount as specified on Generally, these oral rinses are classified the container, or as instructed by your as cosmetic, therapeutic, or a combina- dentist. With your lips closed and your tion of both. teeth apart, swish the liquid around your Cosmetic mouthwashes can remove oral mouth. Many formulas suggest swishing debris, temporarily suppress bad breath, for 30 seconds or more. Finally, thor- and refresh the mouth with a pleasant oughly spit the liquid from your mouth. children tend to swallow mouthwash taste. In addition to these benefits, If you’re using an anti-cavity mouthwash, accidentally, they should not use anti- therapeutic mouthwashes—including do not rinse, eat, or smoke for 30 min- cavity formulas before age 6, and children antiseptic, anti-plaque, and anti-cavity utes after use. Otherwise, you’ll dilute the older than age 6 should use them only formulas—include ingredients to fluoride and rinse it away. If you smoke, with adult supervision. protect against oral disease. Antiseptic consider asking your dentist or physician and anti-plaque mouthwashes can kill the for advice on how to quit. Where can I get mouthwash? germs that cause plaque, gingivitis, and Most mouthwashes are available over the bad breath, while anti-cavity formulas use Does mouthwash have any counter. However, dentists can prescribe fluoride to prevent and reduce tooth decay. side effects? special formulas for patients with more Side effects may vary, depending on severe oral problems, including cavities, What are the benefits of which formula you use. If you experi- periodontal disease, gum inflammation, mouthwash? ence any irritating or adverse reactions and xerostomia (dry mouth). Talk to your Research shows that using a germ-killing to mouthwash, immediately stop using it general dentist to see what’s right for you. mouthwash in addition to brushing your and speak with your dentist. teeth can reduce plaque and gingivitis Most anti-cavity rinses contain sodium For more information on mouthwash more than brushing alone. Additionally, fluoride, which can lead to fluoride toxicity and other oral health topics, visit anti-cavity mouthwashes with fluoride if taken excessively or swallowed. Because KnowYourTeeth.com.

KnowYourTeeth.com Brought to you by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), this website answers important dental health questions, offers the latest information on current treatments, provides tips for first-rate oral hygiene, and helps visitors find highly qualified general dentists near where they live.

The AGD is a member of the Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives, a first-of-its-kind national dental coalition composed of 37 leading dental health organizations. Look for more information about the Kids’ Healthy Mouths campaign at www.2min2x.org.

Published with permission by the Academy of General Dentistry. © Copyright 2013 by the Academy of General Dentistry. All rights reserved.

30 AGD Impact | www.agd.org | April 2013