Do you use a mouth rinse? Many patients use mouth rinse to simply freshen their breath, but it can be used for other reasons as well. People might use it to help prevent and/or control plaque. Mouth rinses can be used to prevent or control gum disease along with reducing the forming of tarter on teeth. One rinse, Biotene®, helps decrease the effects of dry mouth. What ingredients are in mouth rinse?
According to the American Dental Association the basic ingredients include water, alcohol, cleansing agents, flavoring ingredients and coloring agents. Active ingredients vary depending on the brand of rinse, but they can be placed into four general groups:
•Antimicrobial agents act directly on oral bacteria to help reduce plaque, decrease the severity of gingivitis and control bad breath.
•Fluoride helps reduce tiny lesions (tooth decay) on tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to decay.
•Astringent salts can serve as temporary deodorizers that mask bad breath.
•Odor neutralizers act by chemically inactivating odor causing compounds.
Please call our office if you have any questions regarding the use of mouth rinse. We are here for you and your family.