Our smiles are one of the first things that people notice about us. They go a long way in not only defining the way that people view us but how we see ourselves.
Heroes Dental wants for you and everyone in your family to wake up in the morning and love the smile they see. But we also know that it takes some dedication to keep our teeth clean and white.
Brushing and flossing are the most important parts of a good foundation for dental health. And regularly using mouthwash is a great way to supplement these good habits.
A few things to swish around when picking a mouthwash
“How much alcohol is in that?”
We all want to protect our families and this should be one of the first questions you ask when searching for a mouthwash.
One of the main reasons that many types of mouthwashes leave you feeling as if your mouth is on fire is because of their alcohol content, which usually comes in the form of ethanol. The original Listerine formula clocks in at nearly 27% alcohol and Scope is right around 19%. Many minty alternatives fall somewhere between the two.
#HeroesDental #Fact: The more alcohol in your mouthwash the more it will “burn” Click To TweetNot only is this alcohol “denatured”, meaning it is unsafe to drink, but its harsh nature can dry out your mouth and lead to irritation in the teeth, gums, and cheeks. It also increases sloughing, which will increase the bacteria in your mouth affecting your breath, among other things.
“Is this safe for my kids?”
This might actually be the first question you ask yourself if you have children, but it will definitely go hand in hand with what we’ve already covered.
The fact is that mouthwash is not recommended for children under the age of six. So even though you want to get them started with the best dental health routine as soon as possible, there is a recommended limit to how early you can start.
Dentists generally follow this guideline because younger children are more likely to accidentally swallow large amounts of mouthwash when rinsing their mouths. This is dangerous because even without ethanol there are a number of ingredients in mouthwash that could make your child sick, such as:
- Methyl salicylate
- Chlorhexidine Gluconate
- Hydrogen Peroxide
A consultation with a Heroes Dental dentist can help you determine what is the best age for your child to start using mouthwash and how to help make sure rinsing accidents are avoided.
#Dentists do not recommend mouthwash for #children under 6 years old #DentalTip Click To Tweet“What do we need mouthwash for the most?
People usually want to use mouthwash for the same reasons they brush and floss: to keep their teeth white, their breath fresh, and fight off unpleasant developments like plaque, gingivitis, and tooth decay.
But there are plenty of other issues that the right mouthwash can help address like:
- Topical Pain
- Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)
- Oral Cancer
If you are choosing a mouthwash for pain relief, it is a good idea to avoid any with phenols, as they are considered toxic. These compounds are a form of alcohol and their tendency to be absorbed by the skin and lungs can cause complications to the liver and kidneys.
It is important to know what needs you and your family are trying to take care with your choice of mouthwash.
Finally, A few suggestions
No matter what you need a good mouthwash for, there are many quality choices. The following are among the best at dealing with specific issues:
ACT Anticavity
This alcohol-free mouthwash is designed with a pretty clear goal in mind, fighting cavities. It comes with fluoride, which should be a part of the reason everyone chooses to use mouthwash. It also has a cool and easy-to-use dispenser to help avoid spills.
Therabreath
Another mouthwash with the desired result in the name. This excellent cleaner is usually recommended for people with severe problems with their breath. There is no alcohol, artificial flavors, or colors so your mouth will be refreshed and saved from any unpleasant stinging.
Biotene
A great choice for those of you who suffer from dry mouth. This mouthwash features no alcohol, has some serious cavity-fighting power thrown in, as well as the ability to help relieve minor irritation. There’s nothing to dislike about this option.
SmartMouth
You really have to love packaging that does everything it can to help you make a good decision. This one is a bit different than the others, as the mouthwash comes packaged in two separate bottles. Before using, you combine the two and that releases the maximum amount of zinc ions. It primarily targets bad breath, making it a bit of a repeat on this list, but the uniqueness and effectiveness can’t be overlooked or denied.
It can also be a fun way to get your kids started using mouthwash.
Heroes Dental hopes that you find the right mouthwash to complement your dental health routine. And don’t forget regular visits to the dentist are a part of that routine. Heroes Dental is always just a phone call away.
Choosing a mouthwash may not be something that many of us have put a lot of thought into in the past. And while it’s not a decision we need to agonize over, it does require a little foresight to meet your family’s dental health needs.
Get in contact with us today at any of our dental offices located in Laredo, Mission, San Juan, McAllen, Pharr, and Edinburg. and schedule your next appointment.
Let us be a part of keeping your smile beautiful.