Maintaining strong oral health is important for many reasons, but possibly most critically because it is a direct link to overall health. If you let your oral health slide, you could be opening yourself up to a whole variety of health issues.
Mouthwash is one of the many ways that people care for their oral health. There are many types of mouthwash out there in the world, and they aren’t always created equal. If you’re looking to better your own overall oral health, you’ll want to get familiar with the best mouthwash options.
Which are worth considering and which should you leave on the shelf? Read on and we’ll walk you through what you need to know.
Fluoride Mouthwash
Most popular mouthwashes are made using a chemical that is known as sodium fluoride. It’s a chemical that is often used to help combat tooth decay and can actually help to strengthen your teeth after repeated use.
All sounds good, right?
Yes and no. There is a drawback to fluoride-based mouthwashes, and that drawback is that too much fluoride can end up being too much of a good thing. There is a recommended amount and it is possible to easily go over how much fluoride you should really be ingesting – this can lead to brittle bones.
If you’re using a fluoride mouthwash, you should use it sparingly enough to make an impact without facing negative side effects. Your local dentist can advise you on best use practices.
Antiseptic Mouthwash
No Mouthwash complete guide would be finished without talking about Antiseptic mouthwash. It’s the most common kind of mouthwash product and is usually alcohol-based.
The use of alcohol in anti-septic mouthwash is there to help combat bacterial growth in the mouth, which also makes this a great tool against bad breath of all sorts.
Antiseptic mouthwash, when combined with proper brushing and flossing, can help keep harmful bacteria away. That’s the very same bacteria that cause infections in the mouth and lead to problems like halitosis.
Just like all mouthwash options, this isn’t something you’ll want to overdo. Overuse of antiseptic mouthwash can lead to tooth discoloration, so it’s important to practice some restraint in your usage.
Natural Mouthwash
The best mouthwash for your overall health will probably be a natural mouthwash. Instead of alcohol or the use of chemicals, it attempts to accomplish the same tasks as other mouthwashes while using purely natural substances.
The ingredients in this kind of mouthwash are safer to use, though the product is often more expensive and the results potentially less long-lasting.
However, that’s a low price to pay for a healthier mouth.
Understanding Types of Mouthwash
If you’re looking to keep your oral health in a good place, you’ll want to stay on top of the products you use. Understanding the types of mouthwash can help you to engage with the dental industry and pick the right product for you.
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