Which Mouthwash To Use
Posted on 5/29/2019 by Florida Smiles Dental |
 If you’ve already perfected your brushing and flossing habits, you might be wondering what else you can do to improve your oral health. Our Coral Springs, FL, dentist suggests that you consider incorporating regular mouthwash use into your dental routine.
There are a variety of mouthwashes available these days. In addition to having many flavors to choose from, mouthwashes can vary in their medical ingredients, too. How do you know which is right for your needs?
According to our Coral Springs dentist, there are two features in particular that you should consider when it comes to choosing your mouthwash: alcohol content and fluoride supplements. Each comes with its own benefits and risks, and your doctor or dentist in Coral Springs, FL, can help you decide which is best for you.
ALCOHOL VS. ALCOHOL-FREE MOUTHWASH
Many standard mouthwashes – if not most – have alcohol as a key ingredient. This is because alcohol does a good job of killing the germs in your mouth that cause plaque and bad breath. However, there are times that an alcohol-free mouthwash may be more appropriate, such as if you are pregnant or breast-feeding or if the mouthwash is being used by a younger child. In fact, there are some great, fun-tasting, and alcohol-free mouthwashes made specifically for kids!
IS EXTRA FLUORIDE NECESSARY?
Typically, mouthwashes help to combat the germs that cause plaque and bad breath. However, certain mouthwashes may also contain fluoride – the same component that’s in your toothpaste. Fluoride is great at strengthening the protective enamel on your teeth, but do you need more of it in your mouthwash? In this case, it may be best for you to check with your Coral Springs, FL, dentist for advice. Some people, such as those who are highly prone to cavities, can benefit from a fluoride supplemented mouthwash, but this won’t be true for everyone.
As with alcohol mouthwashes, fluoride mouthwash can have its risks, too. Young children in particular shouldn’t use a fluoride mouthwash, because they don’t always spit the mouthwash back out like they’re supposed to. Swallowing and ingesting too much fluoride as a child can cause permanent discoloration to the adult teeth that will later erupt. Our dentist in Coral Springs, FL, suggests you avoid this and other potential risks by giving your child a mouthwash specifically meant for kids.
Want to know more about mouthwash and other dental hygiene tips? Our dentist in Coral Springs is always happy to help! Feel free to call our team at Florida Smiles Dental with your questions. |
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