[GROUP 1: Definition and Types of Mouthwash]
- Mouthwash is a liquid held in the mouth and can be swirled or gargled.
- It may be used passively or with muscle contraction and head movement.
- Mouthwash is also known as mouth rinse, oral rinse, or mouth bath.
- There are different types of mouthwashes available in the market.
- Mouthwashes can be antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, or anti-fungal.
[GROUP 2: Purpose of Mouthwash]
- The primary purpose of mouthwash is to reduce the microbial load in the mouth.
- Some mouthwashes have additional benefits like analgesic or anti-inflammatory actions.
- Certain mouthwashes can act as saliva substitutes for individuals with dry mouth.
- Mouthwash can help neutralize acid in the mouth.
- It helps in keeping the mouth moist and preventing xerostomia (dry mouth).
[GROUP 3: Antiseptic Mouthwashes]
- Antiseptic mouthwashes are the most common type of mouthwash.
- They contain ingredients that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth.
- Antiseptic mouthwashes can help prevent gum diseases like gingivitis.
- They are often recommended by dentists for maintaining oral hygiene.
- Some antiseptic mouthwashes also have fluoride to prevent tooth decay.
[GROUP 4: Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Mouthwashes]
- Some mouthwashes have analgesic properties, providing pain relief in the mouth.
- Analgesic mouthwashes can help alleviate discomfort caused by oral conditions.
- Anti-inflammatory mouthwashes can reduce inflammation in the mouth.
- These mouthwashes are beneficial for conditions like mouth ulcers or sore gums.
- They provide temporary relief and promote healing.
[GROUP 5: Other Types of Mouthwashes]
- Besides antiseptic and analgesic mouthwashes, there are other types available.
- Some mouthwashes are specifically formulated for freshening breath.
- Others may have whitening agents to help remove surface stains on teeth.
- Certain mouthwashes are designed for individuals with sensitive teeth.
- There are also mouthwashes targeted towards specific oral health concerns.
Mouthwash, mouth rinse, oral rinse, or mouth bath is a liquid which is held in the mouth passively or swirled around the mouth by contraction of the perioral muscles and/or movement of the head, and may be gargled, where the head is tilted back and the liquid bubbled at the back of the mouth.
Usually mouthwashes are antiseptic solutions intended to reduce the microbial load in the mouth, although other mouthwashes might be given for other reasons such as for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory or anti-fungal action. Additionally, some rinses act as saliva substitutes to neutralize acid and keep the mouth moist in xerostomia (dry mouth). Cosmetic mouthrinses temporarily control or reduce bad breath and leave the mouth with a pleasant taste.
Rinsing with water or mouthwash after brushing with a fluoride toothpaste can reduce the availability of salivary fluoride. This can lower the anti-cavity re-mineralization and antibacterial effects of fluoride. Fluoridated mouthwash may mitigate this effect or in high concentrations increase available fluoride, but is not as cost-effective as leaving the fluoride toothpaste on the teeth after brushing. A group of experts discussing post brushing rinsing in 2012 found that although there was clear guidance given in many public health advice publications to "spit, avoid rinsing with water/excessive rinsing with water" they believed there was a limited evidence base for best practice.
