Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Got Mouthwash?

Monday, April 21, 2008

WHICH MOUTHWASH SHOULD YOU USE???

Listerine seems to be the rinse of choice for most people. I think this is because it is promoted the most on television and magazines, and also because people like the burning sensation after rinsing. It makes you feel like it is really killing everything in the mouth. This burning sensation is a false sense of disinfection. If anyone put any kind of solution on any other part of their body and it burned, one would discontinue using it. The reason the tissues get a burning sensation is because of the alcohol that is in the solution. Products that contain alcohol and that are used in the mouth can be very drying to the tissues. A dry mouth is not good because saliva is one of our natural defenses against bacteria in the mouth.

When patients ask me to recommend a mouthwash, I recommend something that is alcohol free. Something that contains essential oils as the active ingredients. I like to recommend:

Crest Pro Health
Breath RX
Rembrandt
Act (non alcohol)

These mouthwashes can help reduce plaque and also freshen your breath. There are some mouthrinses with fluoride which can also be beneficial in preventing decay or help with dry mouth. . One should be aware that mouthwash can mask a bigger problem in the mouth such as gingivitis, decay and periodontal disease. Regardless of the mouth wash that is used, it is not a replacement for floss. Dentists still recommend fluoride toothpaste and flossing as the standard for good oral hygiene. Dental exams and regular visits are also necessary to diagnose any underlying problems in the mouth such as decay or periodontal disease. If it is time for you to have your teeth cleaned please give our office a call at 561-394-9000 or contact us through our website at www.drmogell.com.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.