How to use mouthwash without harming your teeth

The use of rinse is important for the health of the mouth, as it prevents problems such as cavities, plaque, gingivitis and bad breath, favoring a refreshing breath and more beautiful teeth. These products can have different compositions, with or without alcohol, fluoride or fluoride, which are adapted to the needs of each person's mouth and, preferably, should be guided by the dentist, in order to obtain the maximum benefit.

However, it is not always necessary to use mouthwash, as the people who benefit the most are those who have undergone an oral surgical procedure or who have some periodontal disease, such as cavities, gingivitis and sensitive teeth. This is because, despite the effect of enhancing the cleanliness of the mouth, its excessive use can harm the enamel of the teeth, facilitate the formation of stains and dry the oral mucosa.

The rinse must always be used after brushing, flossing and scraping the tongue, since the mouth must be free of plaque and impurities for the product to act. In addition, as there are numerous brands of this product, such as Colgate, Listerine, Sensodyne, Halicare, Oral-B or Cepacol, for example, it is important to check if the brand is approved by ANVISA and check the active ingredients contained in the label, for choice and use as instructed by the dentist.

How to use correctly

To use mouthwash you must do oral hygiene as follows:

First floss between all teeth. People with very close teeth can use dental tape because it does not hurt their teeth; Brush your teeth with a brush and toothpaste with fluoride for 2 minutes; Rinse your mouth with water only to completely eliminate the toothpaste; the mouthwash directly in the mouth, rinse for a few seconds, making sure that the product reaches all areas of the mouth and spit. You can use the product lid as a measuring cup.

Mouthwash should not be swallowed because it is not suitable for ingestion, contains microorganisms and can harm the stomach.

What is the best type

There are several options for mouthwashes, with different active principles and modes of action and effectiveness. The main ones include:

With alcohol: alcohol is a component used for the dilution of mouthwash products and must be safe for consumption. However, it is preferable that this type of rinse is avoided, as it causes aggressions to the oral mucosa and wear of the dental enamel, in addition to being able to unbalance the oral pH, which can turn the yellow teeth and dry out the tongue; Alcohol-free: options of alcohol-free rinses use other types of products to dilute the active ingredients, which do not burn, or mistreat the mouth, and can be used with greater safety; With fluoride: fluoridated products are ideal for people with cavities, and should be used once a day to combat the proliferation of bacteria, and are also useful for decreasing the sensitivity in the teeth of people with this problem; Antiseptic, such as Chlorhexidine Gluconate: the antiseptic rinse is the most suitable for those who have bad breath, since it is able to eliminate the bacteria that cause the unpleasant smell in the mouth. They are also ideal for anyone who has had or will still have surgery, as it reduces the risk of getting an infection. However, this type of antiseptic should be used for only 1 week, as indicated by the dentist, because as it is potent, it can cause damage and stains on the teeth.

Thus, in order to choose the ideal mouthwash and know how to use it, it is important to seek the dentist's evaluation, which can indicate the best type, the amount of daily use and for how long because most of the time there is no need for daily use of mouthwash.

Care for a better effect

Some tips for mouthwash to work well and not cause unwanted effects include:

Use at night, preferably after oral hygiene with brush and dental floss, for a more lasting effect. Although some people use it twice a day, using it only once a day is sufficient for proper oral hygiene; Floss and brush your teeth correctly, as just using a rinse is not enough to eliminate bacteria and impurities. Check out what are the steps to brush your teeth correctly; Do not dilute the product with water, because although it is a strategy used by some people to reduce the burning of the mouthwash, it alters and decreases the effect of the active ingredients; People who have had teeth whitening should prefer clear rinses and no dyes, preventing stains from appearing; For children, mouthwash should be alcohol-free and fluoride-free, but any type is contraindicated before 3 years of age.

People who have diabetes should use mouthwash only once a day, before going to sleep, because the use in larger amounts can favor dry mouth, a common symptom in these people but which can get worse due to the use of mouthwash. The use of mouthwash is particularly indicated if you have cavities, plaque, gingivitis or if you have undergone any dental procedure such as tooth extraction or surgery on the mouth, as it can accelerate healing and complete recovery.

How to make homemade mouthwash

If you want to keep your breath fresh and pleasant, you can use natural mouthwash options, prepared at home, for less exposure to chemicals. Thus, it is possible to make daily mouthwash with:

Ingredients