Jarred K. Donald, DDS
16631 Coit Rd #114
Dallas, TX 75248
972-818-4300
888-49-SMILE
Patient Education - General Dentist Information in Dallas
Mouth Rinses
Mouth rinses can have therapeutic benefits; others are only cosmetic in
nature. Some have both attributes. The Food and Drug Administration
even classifies mouth rinses this way.
In general, some therapeutic rinses with fluoride have been shown to actually fight cavities, plaque and gingivitis formation.
On the other hand, cosmetic rinses merely treat breath odor,
reduce bacteria and/or remove food particles in the mouth. They do
nothing to treat periodontal disease or prevent gingivitis.
In any case, make sure and look for indication on the label of
a mouth rinse that is accepted by the American Dental Association.
Surgery or oral disease sometimes leads to complications for
which a good quality therapeutic rinse is indicated. Even people who
have difficulty brushing (because of physical difficulties such as
arthritis) can benefit from a good therapeutic mouth rinse.
Caution: Even rinses that are indicated to treat plaque or
cavities are only moderately effective. In fact, regular rinsing with
water and use of good quality fluoride toothpaste are actually just as
or more effective. Some rinses have even been known to causes severe
irritation of the soft tissues in the mouth and other problems such as
fluoride toxicity, discoloration or overly-sensitive teeth and gums
(due in part to high fluoride and alcohol content).
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