Bad breath can start as a minor problem but can soon turn out to be a serious threat to your social reputation. But the right mouthwash can help you to eliminate the problem for once and for all. But there are also some types of mouthwash that do the exact opposite and leads to buildup of foul odor in your mouth. So it is important that you choose the right type of mouthwash.
A mouthwash is basically a flavored liquid which is used to rinse out the mouth after brushing and flossing the teeth to further clean the teeth and protect them against tooth decay and gum disease. In order to get fresh breath in the morning you have to make mouthwashes a daily part of your routine. They are comprised of many ingredients such as flavoring agents, sweetners, antiseptic agents, detergent and even nutrients such as calcium and fluoride.
There are many different types of mouthwashes such as:
- Antiseptic Mouthwashes: They are designed to fight plaque and protect the teeth against tooth decay. They also disguise bad breath.
- Fluoride Mouthwashes: They contain flouride that attacks acids in the mouth which cause tooth decay.
- Cosmetic Mouthwashes: They do not have the ability to fight plaque but are merely breath fresheners.
- Natural Mouthwashes: They contain organic or herbal ingredients and are alcohol-free.
- Home-made Mouthwashes: They are made at home using a combination of salt and warm water to treat a mouth infection or the after effects of a tooth extraction.
Are Mouthwashes Necessary?
Absolutely not! An effective brushing routine and regular dental check ups are enough for your teeth. In fact, mouthwashes are viewed by dentists as an 'optional extra'. But you will enjoy their breath freshening qualities as well as the pleasant aftertaste.
What Should I Look for in a Mouthwash?
A good mouthwash should make you feel fresh and energetic after you use it. A good mouthwash should have the following ingredients:
- Zinc: Make sure your mouthwash has zinc in it because it controls the production of gases that cause bad breath and also prevents plaque from hardening on the teeth.
- Xylitol: It can reduce plaque levels when used regularly because it is a natural germ fighter.
- Fluoride: It helps to strengthen teeth and make them more resistant to cavities.
- Essential Oils: Specific essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties which are useful if you brush hard. They also have antibacterial properties to prevent any infection.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: It whitens teeth and kills germs.
- Baking Soda: It is a natural teeth whitener and keeps the mouth feeling moist and clean.
- Menthol: It is a flavoring agent that gives you fresh breath.
Avoid alcohol based mouthwashes because they cause the salivary glands to become dry. Less saliva means there's no way to wash away the bacteria.
Plaque and bacteria can lead to various gum infections like gingivitis, periodontitis, bleeding and swollen gums and so on. Use an effective mouthwash with no alcohol to combat plaque and bacteria so that you have a fresh start to your day.
