Who loves the smell of morning breath wafting into your nostrils as you rise to face the day? Um, no one. Well, maybe the cat laying on your chest as you wake or the dog at your feet begging to go outside. The four-legged members of our families don’t seem to notice, but everyone else does.
Bad breath is one reason people turn towards Mouthwash. But, that’s not the only reason. Some use mouthwash as a teeth whitening supplement to their oral hygiene routine. Others need a little extra help battling gingivitis or softer teeth.
Then there are those who have been told by their dentist to start using an oral rinse.
Even if you’ve heard that dentists don’t recommend mouthwash, they most certainly do. It’s just that they won’t suggest using it as a replacement for other necessary oral hygiene habits. You can’t expect to have great looking teeth and healthy gums if you skip the brushing and flossing steps.
The American Dental Association (ADA) supports the use of oral rinses to help with specific conditions and gives a seal to the best mouthwash products out there. However, they do make note that cosmetic rinses don’t add any health benefits, though they may make your teeth whiter.
According to the ADA, mouthwash is most effective when used to prevent gingivitis and related gum diseases. But, they also put stock into those with Fluoride that work to strengthen teeth and stave off decay.
But, I’ve Heard Fluoride Causes Cancer...
You probably already know that fluoride has been added to drinking water for years, and that may or may not cause you some concern. After all, there were some (albeit questionable) studies that suggest a link between fluoride and cancer.
What you need to know is that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the amount of fluoride that can be added to the water where this occurs. The American Cancer Society is tracking the studies available and has not come to the conclusion that fluoride is carcinogenic. They’re not alone, as evidenced by the bulk of their research.
More interesting (by far) is the recent link to certain bacteria in your mouth that may contribute to migraine headaches. If continued research solidifies this link, you can bet that we’ll find probiotic mouthwashes available soon.
Consider Your Mouthwash Carefully!
No, really. You may think of it as a bottle that sits on your bathroom shelf, but there’s no point in grabbing any old bottle off the shelf. Consider the condition of your oral health and the issues you typically battle (or your dentist brings to your attention) before making a decision.
We’ve spent weeks researching and testing 30 different rinses to find the best possible mouthwash brands out there. We’ve included those with and without fluoride and alcohol, those that are safe for children, those beneficial for different mouth conditions, and, yes, one that does a fantastic job at whitening your teeth. Just take a look.
