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Your City of London dentist talks about the advantages and disadvantages of available mouth rinses. Often used to mask bad breath and tastes, prevent plaque accumulation, and help protect against dental decay, some mouth rinses can also be harmful. Most mouth washes don’t wash well. Mouth rinses are divided into therapeutic, cosmetic, or both. Cosmetic mouth rinses are found over-the-counter (OTC) and are helpful for removing food debris, masking bad breath, and reducing bacteria in the mouth. Fifteen OTC mouth rinses have been investigated, and have been shown to work for 10 minutes, with none working after 2 hours. Therapeutic mouth rinses also have the above benefits; however contain additional ingredients that can be protective against several oral diseases. In contrast to cosmetic mouth rinses, therapeutic mouth rinses are controlled by a government body. These mouth rinses are classified into either: 1) anti-plaque or anti-gingivitis mouth rinses; and 2) fluoride mouth rinses that fight cavities.
Your City of London dentist suggests that the use of mouth rinses is up to you, and what your needs are at the time. Although mouth rinses can curb bad breath for 2-3 hours, they are of limited benefit in the prevention of dental decay and gum disease(s). They can mask bad breath, however bad breath can be to sign of something bad occurring in your mouth. You should always brush your teeth, use a fluoride toothpaste, floss, and visit your City of London dentist regularly!