Brushing alone misses 75% of your mouth which raises the question, should I use a mouth rinse? Mouth rinses are used for a variety of reasons such as to reduce plaque, freshen breath, reduce tartar build-up, whiten teeth, and control dental cavities. There are two types of mouth rinses; cosmetic and therapeutic.
Cosmetic mouth rinses are designed to freshen breath and whiten teeth, whereas therapeutic mouth rinses aim to fight gum disease and cavities by attacking plaque levels and toxins.
So what are the most common products on the market today?
Listerine
Listerine is unique because it is made up of 4 essential oils; Eucalyptol, menthol, thymol and methyl salicylate. This botanically derived formula is designed to attack plaque and germs that cause gingivitis and bad breath. Listerine has a product called Listerine Zero that contains zero amounts of alcohol.
Colgate
Colgate products, such as Colgate Total, claim to provide 12 hours of protection against gum disease by reducing plaque. The active ingredient in Colgate is Cetylpyridinium chloride. These products are not recommended for children under 6 years old.
Crest
Crest products are used to whiten teeth, reduce bad breath, and help fight plaque and bacteria. The active ingredient in Crest is Cetylpyridinium chloride.
Cepacol
Cepacol is commonly used in hospitals and is an antibacterial that reduces plaque levels and germs. The active ingredient is Cetylpyridinium chloride.
Tom’s
Tom`s mouth rinses are designed to fight bad breath. They are formulated with no artificial ingredients, and their ingredients are cruelty-free.
Each of these brand names have several mouth rinses that serve different purposes. If you have a high rate of decay then look for a product that has fluoride like Listerine, Crest & Colgate. If you want a product that freshens your breath and whitens your teeth try Scope (made by Crest), or a Tom’s mouth rinse.
Contact us today to speak to a dentist or dental hygienist about what product best suits your dental health needs!
