Effectiveness of Mouth Washes

Many people have developed a habit of using mouthwash before or after brushing their teeth. Although this is not necessarily a bad habit to develop, the effectiveness of mouthwash has been widely studied and debated.

Types.

• The Food and Drug Administration has classified three different categories of mouthwash: cosmetic, therapeutic and combination. Cosmetic mouthwash is used to remove oral debris, temporarily eliminate bad breath, fight bacteria and freshen the mouth. Therapeutic mouthwash helps protect against oral diseases, such as plaque, gingivitis and cavities. Combination mouthwash has the benefits of both cosmetic and therapeutic mouthwashes.

Effectiveness.

• According to Family Gentle Dental Care, mouth mouthwashes are only effective at freshening the mouth and suppressing bad breath for up to three hours. Their effectiveness at preventing plaque, tooth decay, gingivitis and other diseases varies greatly.

Considerations.

• Family Gentle Dental Care acknowledges that studies of antiplaque and antiseptic mouthwashes typically only show a 20 to 25 percent effectiveness. In some cases, mouthwash is no more effective at preventing plaque and oral disease than rinsing with plain water.

Expert Insight

• A study done by Nova Southeastern University in Florida tested the antibacterial effectiveness of nine different types of mouthwash. After ten trials, the researchers rated the mouthwashes in order of effectiveness from best to worst: Crest, Cepacol, Scope, Colgate, Act, Listerine Whitening, Biotene, Listerine and Toms of Maine.

Expert Insight.

• A study published in the Quintessence International measured the effectiveness of mouthwashes containing certain ingredients that prevent plaque and gingivitis. After two weeks of daily mouthwash use, researchers found that mouthwash containing chlorhexidine digluconate was most effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis, with the mouthwash containing triclosan coming in second. The mouthwash containing Zea mays L decreased gingivitis, but increased plaque.