First of all, you can significantly narrow down your choices of mouthwash by eliminating any option that contains alcohol. Though you may think that having alcohol in a mouthwash would kill germs and make your breath fresh, using a mouthwash with alcohol actually achieves the opposite effect. Your mouth needs saliva to wash away bacteria. Alcohol dries out your mouth, and that dry environment creates a breeding ground for bacteria, tooth decay, and bad breath.
Aside from an alcohol-free mouthwash option, the best way to decide which mouthwash to use can depend on what type of dental health issues you have.
For cavity protection, look for a mouthwash that contains sodium fluoride. It kills germs and protects teeth from harmful acids, which break down the tooth’s enamel.
Dry mouth can lead to cavities and bad breath, so for dry mouth relief, find a mouthwash specialized to fix that issue. Rinses formulated specifically for dry mouth will have enzymes that mimic what your salivary glands produce to moisturize your mouth.
Finally, if you do not have any of the above dental issues but want to brighten your smile, a whitening mouthwash with 2% peroxide can help keep stains from building up on teeth in between professional teeth whitening treatments.
For more preventative dental care tips, check out the information on our website or give us a call. The Dakota Dental dentists can help patients find the products that work best for their needs and assist in maintaining oral health in between dental visits.