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Over-the-counter
mouth rinses may leave your breath feeling fresh for
several hours, but their effectiveness in preventing
tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontal disease is limited.
Some research
indicates that rinsing with water is just as effective
in controlling plaque. At their worst, antiplaque rinses
and antiseptics may actually mask bad breath and an
unpleasant taste in your mouth, two of the first signs
of periodontal disease.
In fact, the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified mouth
rinses as either cosmetic, therapeutic or a combination
of the two, recognition that some products do nothing
to help stop or even slow the disease process.
Rinses should
not be considered substitutes for regular dental examinations,
cleanings and a proper home regimen of brushing with
fluoride toothpaste followed by flossing, says Ted Taylor,
DDS, a Delta dental consultant.
"Mouth
rinses should only be used in conjunction with other
disease prevention methods," Taylor says. "They're
not the kind of thing you want to rely on exclusively
for maintaining your oral health."
If you decide
to use an anticavity rinse, dentists suggest following
these steps after every meal: brush, floss, then rinse.
Teeth should be as clean as possible for a mouth rinse
to be most effective.
For patients
with problem areas, Taylor says some prescription rinses
are more effective than over-the-counter rinses and
can significantly help the healing process and control
bacteria levels.
Side effects
vary depending on the type of rinse used. Habitual use
of antiseptic mouthwashes containing high levels of
alcohol (ranging from 18 to 26 percent) may produce
a burning sensation in the cheeks, teeth and gums. Many
prescribed rinses with more concentrated formulas can
lead to ulcers, sodium retention, root sensitivity,
stains, soreness, numbness and changes in taste sensations
if they are overused.
Talk to your
dentist before using any type of rinse. Because children
tend to accidentally swallow mouthwashes, they should
only use rinses under adult supervision.
Some information courtesy of the
Academy of General Dentistry (www.agd.org)
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