Mouthwash has long been a mainstay friend to prevent bad breath that disturbs confidence. But it turns out besides that, mouthwash also plays a role in maintaining oral health.
Mouthwash is generally an antiseptic liquid that is used to clean between teeth, the surface of the tongue and gums, and the back of the mouth or throat. The use of some mouthwashes aims to reduce bad breath. Some other mouthwashes are intended to function like saliva, which is to keep the mouth moist and neutralize acidic substances.
Some mouthwashes can be used freely, but some are specifically designed to treat certain health problems. The second type is usually prescribed by a doctor.
Various Types of Mouthwash
There are many mouthwash options with different supporting ingredients which of course provide different benefits. Mouthwash products can contain the following ingredients:
- Antimicrobial: reduce plaque, gingivitis, and gum inflammation in the early stages, and kill bacteria that cause bad breath.
- Bad breath exterminator: deactivates the compounds that cause bad breath.
- Astringent salt: bad breath undercover material.
- Flouride: helps prevent tartar and cavities.
- Peroxide: helps prevent the appearance of stains on the surface of the teeth.
- Antiseptics such as chlorhexidine gluconate or hexetidine
- Flavoring substances such as sorbitol, sucralose, sodium saccharin.
Meanwhile, mouthwash used by prescription can contain antifungal ingredients to prevent the development of fungi, antibiotics to help kill bacteria, local anesthetics or antihistamines, antacids, and corticosteroids to treat inflammation.
Unless your doctor has prescribed it, you should avoid using mouthwash in children under the age of 6 years, especially those containing alcohol, because of the risk of swallowing. Mouthwash that contains alcohol also has the risk of causing bad breath to get worse because it can cause the mouth to become drier. In addition, until now there have been debates by experts regarding the use of mouthwash containing alcohol in the long run with its relation to the development of oral cancer.
More than Preventing Bad Breath
Bad breath or halitosis is a common complaint. Besides being able to be caused by bacteria, food left over between the teeth and the surface of the tongue can also cause this complaint.
A review of various studies revealed that mouthwash can treat bad breath. According to the review, zinc and chlorine dioxide content can neutralize the odor, while the antibacterial content of chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium is thought to help reduce the number of bacteria that cause bad breath.
In addition to the main benefits above, it turns out there are many other benefits of mouthwash products, namely:
Mouthwash can help prevent plaque buildup on teeth.
- Mouthwash containing fluoride plays a role in helping reduce the risk of cavities caused by bacteria and acidic substances, and make teeth stronger.
- Certain mouthwashes can also be used postoperatively or after tooth extraction.
- Some types of mouthwash that are prescribed can be used to treat oral diseases that can be caused by radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
However, mouthwash, especially over-the-counter, is generally not a drug to treat tooth and gum disorders, especially those that are already severe. Therefore, if you experience this kind of health problem, it is still important to see a dentist. In addition, it should be remembered that mouthwash is not a substitute for toothbrush and toothpaste because both of them still play an important role in cleaning food debris and bacteria on the teeth.
Read the Rules of Use for Maximum Results
To get the maximum benefit, read the contents listed in the package and follow the instructions for use as follows.
- Make sure the mouthwash has been registered with the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM).
- Usually mouthwash is used once a day before bed or after brushing your teeth, or according to doctor's instructions. To get the best effect, you should use it at the same time.
- Generally there are measuring cups measuring about 10 mm or the equivalent of 2 full teaspoons that can be used once. It is better to avoid using more than this dose unless recommended by a doctor.
- Use to rinse for about one minute. Then remove it from the mouth. Unless recommended by a doctor, avoid occasionally swallowing this drug. Therefore, always accompany children when they use mouthwash.
- To get maximum results, you should avoid consuming food or gargling with other liquids for at least 30 minutes after using mouthwash.
- Rinse after brushing your teeth and before using mouthwash because certain ingredients in toothpaste can inhibit the action of chlorhexidine in mouthwash.
Generally mouthwash users will not feel significant side effects and are usually temporary, for example the sensation of dry mouth and changes in taste. In people who are sensitive or allergic to certain ingredients in mouthwash, sores, redness and mouth pain can occur. Such reactions can usually be treated by diluting mouthwash with plain water or changing mouthwash, for example using salt water.
Check with your doctor if after using, stains appear on the teeth or on the tongue. In addition, check yourself first if you are a pregnant or nursing mother who will use mouthwash.
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