Here are some things you need to know about mouthwash!

There are so many mouthwashes on the market that their effects are described in endlessly and are so magical that it is hard not to be dazzled. How should we choose a mouthwash? What should we pay attention to when using a mouthwash? And how should we use a mouthwash correctly? Please listen to me!

Types of mouthwash

Mouthwash can be roughly divided into two categories, namely medical mouthwash and health-care mouthwash .

Medical mouthwashes are used for patients who have difficulty cleaning their mouths after oral surgery and for auxiliary treatment of oral diseases such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral ulcers. For example, compound chlorhexidine mouthwash and Kangfuxin solution are essentially prescription drugs and need to be used under the guidance of professional medical staff .

Health-care mouthwash is the most commonly used type of mouthwash in our daily life. It has the functions of freshening breath, removing some food residues, short-term antibacterial and anti-caries, and does not require special guidance from medical staff when used .

How to choose mouthwash?

Medical mouthwash is prescribed by doctors based on actual oral conditions! When buying health-care mouthwash, it is recommended to choose mouthwash containing fluoride, fruit acid extract, lactic acid bacteria, tea, yeast and other ingredients. It can not only remove odor, freshen breath, and prevent tooth decay, but also has safe ingredients and tastes better. Avoid choosing mouthwash containing bactericidal ingredients, such as chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride, domiphene, sulfate surfactants, ethanol, methyl salicylate and other ingredients. This type of mouthwash has a bactericidal effect, tastes spicy and easily irritates the oral mucosa, and is not suitable for daily use.

Can I use mouthwash without brushing my teeth?

Many people think that rinsing the mouth is convenient, so they use mouthwash instead of brushing teeth as a daily oral cleaning method, which is not advisable. Mouthwash can only remove some food residues and soft scales. Only through the mechanical friction of brushing teeth can the oral cavity be cleaned more deeply and dental plaque on the tooth surface be removed.

Can mouthwash be used long term?

Whether it is a medical mouthwash or a health-care mouthwash, long-term use may cause excessive consumption or growth of a certain type of bacteria, leading to oral flora disorder and various oral diseases. Medical mouthwash should be used 2-3 times a day for 1-2 weeks, generally not more than 30 days ; health-care mouthwash is recommended not to be used more than 2 times a day, and should not be used unless necessary .

Can mouthwash solve bad breath?

Mouthwash contains fragrances, which can make your breath fresher after use, but this is only temporary. We should know that 80%-90% of bad breath comes from the oral cavity. For example, oral diseases such as caries, residual roots, gingivitis, periodontitis, etc. can induce bad breath. In addition, some gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases may also cause bad breath. Therefore, do not blindly rely on mouthwash to cover up bad breath. Be sure to go to the hospital in time to avoid delaying the opportunity to solve the root problem!

How to use mouthwash correctly?

Mouthwash should be used after brushing teeth in the morning and evening or after eating . When using, hold about 5-10 ml of mouthwash in your mouth, and move your cheeks and lips to allow the mouthwash to fully contact your teeth to remove as much food residue and soft scale as possible. Health-care mouthwash is generally used for 30 seconds to 1 minute; medical mouthwash is used according to the drug instructions, and the general gargling time is 2-5 minutes. Do not rinse your mouth with clean water after gargling, and do not eat or drink water within half an hour .