Hydrogen peroxide is the active ingredient found in most household cleaning products. It has wide anti-microbial properties due to its oxidizing chemical action. Oxidation acts to damage and kill bacterial cells. It’s important to know how to use mouthwash safely. Here are a few prevention strategies that may help you: Each expert we spoke to recommended buying a mouthwash with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. “You can’t go wrong” with an ADA Seal mouthwash, said Dr. Edmond Hewlett, a professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry, because they’ve been “scientifically evaluated to be effective.” They also noted that your dentist can help the best mouthwash for your needs. Don’t rinse after mouthwash unless instructed on the label. If you’re using a fluoride mouthwash, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking for at least 30 minutes. Hydrogen peroxide is known to cause damage to the cells of the dental pulp. It can cause the tooth nerves to become infected and eventually die (called pulpitis). Do your best to avoid hydrogen peroxide mouthwash. There doesn’t seem to be enough research on the benefits to balance the risks that hydrogen peroxide mouthwash has.

The taste of Smart Mouth Mouthwash is mild and not overpowering. It has a slightly minty flavor that leaves your mouth feeling refreshed and clean. Potential Side Effects of Smart Mouth Mouthwash

How do you use mouthwash?

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. 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.

Preservatives: These prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouthwash. Common preservatives are sodium benzoate or methylparaben. They don't contribute to the action of the mouthwash.If you have dry mouth, are predisposed to gum disease or to cavities, the right mouthwash can help. Essential oilscontain the "essence of" the plant's fragrance—which is characteristic of the plant from which it is derived. Their properties include antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory actions. These healing oils are rapidly growing in popularity because they act as natural medicine without any side effects. Biotene has a nice mouth-feel thanks to the glycerin, and leaves your mouth feeling minty fresh instead of chemically like a lot of other mouthwashes designed for this issue. It contains xylitol, which is a natural sweetener that helps to prevent cavities, according to Dr. Cardall. If you have dry mouth, you should also use a toothpaste with fluoride to prevent cavities, and make sure you wait after brushing to use mouthwash so you don't rinse the fluoride away, Dr. Rahmani advises.