Types of Mouth Wash Products

The use of mouth wash products may play a role in your overall oral health care plan. But with so many different products on the market, it could be difficult to decide which to purchase. The first step toward making an informed decision is learning the difference between the three basic types of mouth wash products: cosmetic, therapeutic and total care.

Reasons for Use

• People use mouth wash to reduce bacteria, neutralize bad breath, strengthen tooth enamel, relieve pain or dry mouth, reach difficult places due dental devices and as a follow-up to oral surgery.

Cosmetic

• Cosmetic mouth washes temporarily mask, but do not eliminate bad breath and rinse away plaque-forming bacteria. These products may be labeled as “antiseptic mouthwashes.”

Therapeutic

• Therapeutic mouth washes, regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, may prevent plaque and gingivitis from forming, contain fluoride and help strengthen teeth. Some are available only by prescription.

Total Care

• Total care mouth washes use a variety of ingredients to combine aspects of both cosmetic and therapeutic mouth washes.

Warnings

• Swallowing mouthwash may lead to alcohol poisoning or fluoride overdose. Most are not recommended for use by children 12 and younger. Some cause side effects, including a burning sensation in the mouth.