The Tribune

By DR SPARKMAN FERGUSON

THERE are many mouthwashes/mouth rinses in grocery stores and pharmacies nowadays. Fifty years ago, there were few commercial mouthwashes available, and almost everyone used the same ones. They were used mostly as breath freshener, although one also claimed to kill germs. Nonetheless, many persons bought the mouthwashes and gargled and swished with them for pleasant breaths.

Fast-forward to 2015 and we find a myriad of commercial mouth rinses available along with a couple of homemade ones.

• Homemade mouthwashes:

The two popular homemade mouthwashes are warm salt water and baking soda mixed with water. A warm salt and water rinse is beneficial for minor mouth irritations and as a post-surgical mouthwash. Baking soda and water mixture is a good mouth rinse for individuals with gingivitis or any of the gum disease.

• Commercial mouthwashes:

Commercial mouthwashes are “use specific”.

They can be divided into four main groups. These are antiseptic mouthwashes, anti-cavity rinses, antibacterial agents and anti-dryness mouth rinses.

Antiseptic mouthwashes are breath fresheners and are very popular. These are used in conjunction with brushing and flossing to ensure fresh breath. They are mostly breath sweeteners and mask mouth odours. Breath fresheners are valuable for use in individuals that are already in good oral health. They loose their effectiveness quickly where individuals are suffering with gum diseases. Included in this group are mouthwashes such as Listerine, Scope, Listermint, Cepacol, and several others.

Anti-cavity rinses were specifically created as an agent to combat dental caries. These differ from other rinses because they contain fluoride. Most of these rinses are designed to be used twice each day thereby providing anti plaque coverage for twenty-four hours.

Included in this group of mouthwashes are Plax, Breath Rx, Act Anti-Cavity Rinse, and others.

Anti-bacterial mouthwashes are a very important group of mouthwashes, especially for adults. These contain chlorhexidine, which is a strong antibacterial ingredient. This ingredient reduces the formation of dental plaque. These mouthwashes are particularly helpful for persons suffering with recurrent gingivitis, and any form of periodontal disease. They are recommended for use every twelve hours. Included in this group of mouth rinses are Corsodyl, Peridex, Perioguard, Paroex and others.

Anti-dryness mouthwashes are very important. These are used to ensure that there is sufficient moisture in the mouth once the mouth loses some, or all of its natural ability to produce saliva on its own. Extreme dryness in the mouth encourages caries, particularly in older individuals. With the use of these agents, the mouth can keep a moist environment. Included in this group of mouthwashes are Biotene, Act Total Care, Oasis Moisturizing Mouthwash, and others.

Conclusion

There are many mouthwashes available and for the most part using them randomly cannot hurt the mouth in any way. By the same token, random use could only help in a hit or miss way.

Since commercial mouthwashes are very target-specific, the use of the correct one in advisable if a therapeutic result is desired.