Gargling using mouthwash after brushing your teeth is believed to eliminate bad breath and give a fresh sensation in the mouth. Not only that, it turns out there are various benefits of using a good mouthwash for healthy teeth and mouth of the family. Mouthwash helps prevent cavities, tooth decay, pain, infections, and tooth abscesses.
Mouthwash is generally a liquid medicine or antiseptic that is used to clean areas of the oral cavity such as between teeth, the surface of the tongue and gums, and the back of the mouth or throat. Mouthwash offers the added benefit of reaching areas in the oral cavity that are not easily accessible by simply brushing your teeth and using dental floss.
Prevents cavities
Cavities are a common problem faced by various groups of people, ranging from children, adults to the elderly. This condition can be influenced by the development of bacteria in the mouth and the growth of plaque or tartar. So, maintaining healthy teeth and mouth daily supported by the use of mouthwash on a regular basis, is expected to reduce the risk of cavities, which can cause pain, sensitive teeth, infections, abscesses, until broken teeth.
Although it can not be said as a substitute for the habit of brushing teeth, the use of mouthwash has many benefits for oral health. Not only refreshing the breath and preventing cavities, the use of mouthwash also aims to help prevent tooth decay, reduce tartar, prevent inflammation of the gums and oral cavity, and can help whiten teeth. The benefit of mouthwash that is no less important is to kill bacteria on the surface and areas that are difficult to reach in the oral cavity, even reduce the risk of bacteremia or the spread of bacteria through the bloodstream of microorganisms that are in the oral cavity. Thus, effective mouthwash helps ensure healthy teeth and mouth, including maintaining strong teeth by fighting germs that cause cavities.
Various Mouthwash Content You Need to Know
Some mouthwash products generally have the following active ingredients:
- Fluoride, helps prevent tooth decay and cavities.
- Antimicrobial, eradicating the bacteria that causes bad breath, inflammation of the gums and tartar.
- Bad breath exterminator, which is useful to disguise, reduce and even deactivate the compounds that cause bad breath, such as astringent salt or cetylpyridinium chloride.
- Peroxide, an active ingredient that helps prevent stains on tooth surfaces. Usually found on whitening mouthwash products.
- Antiseptics such as chlorhexidine and essential oils that can help control tartar and gum inflammation.
Mouthwash products are generally available on the market, either by prescription or without a prescription, depending on the formula on the mouthwash. However, there are also mouthwashes that are available only by prescription from a doctor, such as mouthwashes that contain chlorhexidine.
Choosing the Right Mouthwash Products
There are two types of mouthwash products, namely cosmetic mouthwash and therapeutic mouthwash. Despite having a good taste in the mouth, the medical benefits of cosmetic mouthwash are usually only temporary. Whereas therapeutic mouthwash usually has more effective benefits to reduce plaque, inflammation of the gums, eliminate bad breath, and prevent cavities.
Not all mouthwash products are created the same, here are some things that can be considered for choosing the right mouthwash product according to the needs of a healthy family:
- If self-confidence is sought, then use mouthwash with a preferred taste and aroma.
- For those who are experiencing dry mouth, it is advisable to increase the consumption of water and choose a mouthwash product that is alcohol free, the article alcohol can worsen the condition of dry mouth.
- If a family member experiences gum disease, a mouthwash with chlorhexidine can be an option.
- Choose mouthwash products that have been registered with the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), and are recognized by the International Medical Association and the Indonesian Dental Association. There are several organic mouthwash products that are also available in well-known health stores.
- Unless your doctor has prescribed it, avoid using mouthwashes in children under 6 years of age, especially those containing alcohol, because of the risk of swallowing.
- Some mouthwash products that contain effective essential oil formulas such as thymol, menthol, methyl salicylate, and eucalyptol can also be a family choice because they are beneficial to overcome bad breath, kill germs that cause oral problems, inhibit the development of tartar, and reduce gum inflammation.
Choose mouthwash products according to the problem you want to be addressed. Starting from the basic benefits of mouthwash to kill germs, basic benefits and additional benefits according to product packaging, as well as those that provide comprehensive care for the dental health of children, the elderly and the elderly.
Rules for Using the Right Mouthwash
Each mouthwash product has its own usage instructions, making sure to follow the recommendations according to the product packaging. Generally, mouthwashes are used twice in the morning and at night, especially after brushing teeth. But it doesn't matter if you use it before or after brushing your teeth. Teach your immediate family how to use mouthwash by gargling to the tip of the throat for 30 to 60 seconds. Generally, there is a measuring cup in each mouthwash product about the size of about 20 ml or the equivalent of 4 full teaspoons that can be used once. Avoid using more than this dose unless recommended by a doctor.
In addition to brushing your teeth and using mouthwash, it is important to have a balanced lifestyle and good diet so that oral health is maintained. For maximum results and long-lasting, it is recommended to routinely and regularly maintain oral hygiene, multiply consumption of water, limit consumption of coffee, tea and soda, and avoid alcoholic beverages and cigarettes. Don't forget to check and clean your teeth to the dentist at least once every six months.
Despite having many benefits, mouthwash is not the solution to cure serious dental and mouth problems. If you experience bleeding in the gums and bad breath that does not go away, then immediately see a dentist for medical evaluation and more intensive treatment.
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