The Truth about Mouthwash

by Heather Colman

A product that is used for maintaining oral hygiene is called a mouthwash. It is a medicated solution that is used to gargle for a cleaner mouth. In other words, a mouthwash can also be called a mouth rinse. Mouthwashes have antiseptic and anti plaque components that help in killing germs, thereby preventing plaque, gingivitis and also bad breath. There are various mouth rinses available that are anti-cavity as well. These mouthwashes have fluoride that helps in averting tooth decay. However, don't stop brushing your teeth or flossing even if you use a mouthwash.

Generally, the standard quantity of mouthwash required by an individual to rinse the mouth twice a day is approximately 20ml. To get good results from a mouth rinse, you must gargle with the mouthwash for about thirty seconds and then spit it out.

Thymol, eucalyptol, methyl salicylate, menthol, chlorhexidine gluconate, benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, hydrogen peroxide, fluorides, enzymes and calcium are some of the common ingredients that are used in different brands of mouthwash sold commercially. Apart from these usual ingredients, there is also water, sorbitol, sodium, saccharine and a fair amount of alcohol present. However, it fails to pass a Breathalyzer test owing to the presence of alcohol shortly after using mouth rinse. Several contemporary products are made alcohol-free.

There is a distinct type of mouthwash that is a salt mouthwash. This is usually made by dissolving salt in lukewarm water. This type is used especially for curing infection or other form of oral problems. One of the very widespread mouthwashes found is a hydrogen peroxide in a diluted form.

One of the most popular mouthwashes whose name is almost synonymous with the word mouthwash is Listerine. This product is named after the father of modern antiseptics, Joseph Lister. This mouth rinse was invented in the year 1895. In the beginning, it was formulated by Dr. Joseph Lawerence and Jordan Wheat Lambert as a surgical antiseptic. Soon, Listerine became the first mouthwash sold in USA.

Be it a branded mouthwash or a homemade recipe, use it regularly to prevent cavities, tooth decay and improve oral health.

As mentioned, dental hygiene is critical to maintaining proper oral health. In addition to mouthwash, consider the importance of How to Brush Your Teeth.