Oral and dental hygiene what is the effectiveness of mouthwash?

Walk through the oral care section of any drugstore or supermarket these days and you'll likely encounter a huge - and confusing - variety of mouthwash products. There are all-natural mouthwashes, alcohol-free varieties, tartar control, plaque control, whitening rinses, and more. Adding to the confusion are conflicting reports on the effectiveness - and risks - of using mouthwash. So how is a shopper to choose?

The first rule of thumb is to talk with your dentist. Your dentist is familiar with the condition of your teeth and your gums, and so he is in the best position to recommend the products best suited to your own oral hygiene needs and to your lifestyle.

While your dentist's recommendations should carry the most weight when making decisions on oral care products, sometimes an advertisement or a coupon might prompt you to try a different kind of mouthwash. Some promise to whiten your teeth, to prevent plaque, to prevent cavities, or to make your mouth kissably fresh. But do they really work as promised, or are you just wasting your money?

Studies by the American Dental Association have shown that the use of an antiseptic mouthwash can help to kill germs, reduce the formation of plaque, and prevent the dangerous gum disease gingivitis. This is especially important for older adults, who are more likely to be diagnosed with gum disease, which develops slowly through the years. But it is also important for young people to consider, so that gum disease can be stopped in its early stages, or prevented before it even starts.

It is important to note, however, that mouthwash alone is not enough to fight plaque and gingivitis. You need to brush and floss regularly as well. The best regimen for fighting gum disease is to brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and use mouthwash to rinse away the particles that were loosened by brushing and flossing and to provide additional germ killing action. For this reason, the use of a separate mouthwash is preferable to using a two-in-one toothpaste with built-in mouthwash.

Some people are reluctant to use antiseptic mouthwashes because most of the leading brands contain alcohol, which some studies suggest may lead to an increased risk of oral cancer. According to the American Dental Association, those studies may have neglected to consider other risk factors for oral cancer, including the use of tobacco and alcoholic beverages by subjects in the study. But if this is still a concern, consult your dentist.

While you'll find alcohol-free mouthwashes on the market, most of these products generally provide cosmetic benefits only, freshening the breath but doing little to fight plaque and gum disease.

In addition to traditional mouthwash products, the wide variety of specialty mouthwashes on the market today may be of interest to those who like to try new things. Mouthwashes containing fluoride can help to prevent cavities in children and adults. Whitening formulas claim to leave you with a brighter smile. Most promise to freshen your breath--and most work as promised, at least some of the time.

So try the brands and varieties that appeal to you and see how they work for you. But don't forget to brush, don't forget to floss, and don't forget to visit your dentist at least twice a year.

Here's to healthy teeth and gums and a clean, fresh, dazzling smile!