"Mouthwash," a dental care product, has become one of the hot cake products since the late 2000s, and now it is fueling the Indian oral hygiene industry's FMCG segment dominantly. One of the main reasons why it is evolving at such a pace and is still stocked on shelves is its performance in the market. Most mouthwash doesn't require any prescription, plus the aggressive & misleading advertisements on a mass scale that are nowhere audited on scientific grounds make it an eye-candy and appealing product.
We are sure; you must have seen an actor vigorously swishing the liquid around their mouth and finishing with a sparkling white smile and fresh breath. Well, to clear this out now itself, any mouthwash isn't going to give you a sparkling smile like that no matter what. However, it could improve your oral health in general and keep your breath fresh but provided if you use it properly.
Mouthwash usually contains an antiseptic to kill harmful bacteria developing between your teeth and on your tongue. But, this doesn't mean it is a replacement for brushing or flossing. Along with this, it’s also important to understand that different product formulas contain varied ingredients, and not all mouthwashes have the same effects. Manufacturers use various ingredients in different concentrations to achieve varying results.
We have realized, with so many options available on the market, myths floating around, and misleading commercials, of course, it can be oppugning to decide if you genuinely need a mouthwash in your oral care routine. So, Lets address this problem by clarifying which mouthwash is best for you and essential considerations when examining options.
Which mouthwash is the best?
It's probably the most common question that is asked: "Which mouthwash should I be using?" Or, "is this mouthwash good?"
The correct answer for such a question depends on what your needs are. People look to mouthwash as a breath freshener or to stop bad breath, but mouthwash is also used to stop bleeding gums, tooth decay, and some are used for teeth whitening.
We recommend you should go through the following steps before making a purchasing decision:
Determine the primary reason for using mouthwash. Is it to treat a condition or to prevent dental disease?
Consult your dentist or get in touch with us. The first step is to diagnose the problem and get your healthcare provider's recommendation before using any mouthwash.
Read the label carefully: Be astute in understanding the product.
Apart from these basic measures, you can land on a decision by studying the following traits of a product;
Other Ingredients
Most mouthwashes available over the counter include chemicals to improve shelf life or give it a desirable colour, and these chemicals play a deteriorating role. As recommended earlier, ensure you know all of the ingredients you are using by reading the product label carefully. If you have an adverse reaction, it could be due to one of these substances.
Detergents
Some mouthwashes may also have a water-soluble cleansing agent combined with impurities and dirt to make them more soluble. It's framed that they loosen residue accumulated on teeth; however, this claim isn't heavily supported and arguably has a commercial intent. Typical detergents listed on labels are sodium benzoate and sodium lauryl sulfate. There are concerns about consuming these chemicals, and some people report adverse reactions.
Flavors
When choosing a mouthwash, prefer flavorless. Primarily function of artificial flavors is to give mouthwash its colour, taste and ultimately make it more marketable. They don't improve your oral health or mouthwash's effectiveness in any way and may potentially have adverse reactions.
Preservatives
Preservatives preclude bacteria development in the mouthwash. Most mouthwash manufacturers add this to the product to improve the shelf life, enabling them to penetrate every retail segment in the market. Common preservatives are sodium benzoate or methylparaben. They don't contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of the mouthwash, and no reliable data or study is pointing it has any positive effect on your dental health.
Visit Dr Kumarswamy's Dental Clinic to secure your oral health status. Our clinic provides the treatments required to improve your oral health and hygiene. Contact us to schedule your next dentist appointment.