Additionally, you may want to ask a dentist about prescription oral rinses. These rinses have higher levels of certain active ingredients, making them effective for temporary use for the treatment of certain oral conditions. You can use prescription oral rinses for: Shopping Manual toothbrushes for adults and kids Should you use mouthwash before or after brushing?

Essential oils are extracted from plants that are known to have aromatic or healing properties. Some mouthwashes do have essential oils added to their ingredients. However, you can make your own by adding drops of essential oils to the water. It’s important that you don’t accidentally swallow fluoride-containing mouthwash, as it can be toxic. Fluoride mouthwash should be avoided in children under seven because the chance is too high that they will swallow it. The daily rinses are probably the most effective and contain about 0.05% fluoride. Weekly or fortnightly mouth rinses at 0.2% are also available. The answer often 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. The two-bottle system may be less convenient than other types of mouthwash that come in a single bottle Alcohol: If you have dry mouth, are prone to cavities, or are elderly, skip alcohol as it usually dries your mouth out further and exacerbates bacteria issues, Dr. Rahmani advises. It’s not harmful to most other people, says Dr. Cardall, but it can cause an unpleasant burning sensation, so it’s mostly a personal choice to skip this ingredient or not.Mouthwash can have some unpleasant side effects. But on the whole, mouthwash isn’t bad for your health or harmful for you to use. Here’s why. READ MORE If you visit the emergency room, they may want to run some tests before prescribing any necessary treatments. Essential oils mouthwash may be a good breath freshener. You shouldn’t solely rely on essential oil mouthwash ahead of oral hygiene practice though. On the other hand, therapeutic mouthwashes, which we recommend below, have active ingredients that can kill bacteria, control plaque or bad breath, provide more fluoride to the teeth and otherwise help improve dental health. The health claims and benefits of mouthwash vary quite a bit, so let’s see which contains what and if they live up to their claims.

Mouthwash may also contain synthetic ingredients that have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers.Brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice per day using a soft-bristle toothbrush and your favorite toothpaste. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Health Wellness All Health Meal Kit Delivery Gluten-Free Meal Kit Delivery KN95 Masks N95 Masks Disposable Face Masks Air Purifiers Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents Natural Deodorants Period Underwear Smart Mouth Mouthwash is generally considered safe and has no known side effects. However, some people may experience a temporary tingling or burning sensation in their mouth after use.

It’s probably the most common question dentists get: "Which mouthwash should I be using?" Or, "is this mouthwash good?" If you or another adult swallow a small amount of mouthwash, you may be able to take a watch-and-wait approach.

When should you use mouthwash?

Bad breath is the number one reason for the average person to use mouthwash, both our experts agree. Bad breath— called halitosis—is caused by odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. Rinsing with a mouthwash can give your mouth a cool, fresh feeling, but how important is it? Does it really lead to better health outcomes for your teeth and gums, and is it as important as toothpaste and floss? Overwhelmingly, yes, according to the dentists we spoke to. Other Occasions & Loved Ones Gift Guides All Other Occasions & Loved Ones For Teens For Grandparents For Bridal Shower For New Parents For Any Occasion Alcohol mouthwash has drawn widespread concern regarding alcoholic content being a risk factor for oral cancer. There is research to show that alcohol makes the mouth's cells more vulnerable to cancer-causing agents. When alcohol is broken down, the product is acetaldehyde, a known human carcinogen.