Chlorhexidine mouthwash: evidence can help you make an informed choice about whether to use it. The gum really is the foundation for your teeth. A lot of people fall on the spectrum of gum disease — somewhere between the more mild, reversible form gingivitis and the more severe, irreversible form periodontitis. Gingivitis is when the gum becomes red and swollen and bleeds easily, but gets better when you start looking after your gum.
If you fail to keep your gum happy, then your gingivitis may progress to periodontitis where you start to lose the structures that hold the tooth in place, such as the tooth-bearing bone. Your tooth-bearing bone will not naturally grow back once you lose it, and if you lose enough bone, the tooth becomes loose.
Should I use that mouthwash that my dentist recommended? A recent Cochrane review looked at the effectiveness and side effects of chlorhexidine mouthwash. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic against a broad spectrum of bacteria. The authors found high-quality evidence that short-term weeks and longer-term 6 months use of chlorhexidine mouthwash in addition to usual toothbrushing and cleaning leads to a large reduction in the build-up of plaque.
They also found this mouthwash is moderately helpful in improving mild gingivitis. There is currently insufficient evidence on the effectiveness of chlorhexidine mouthwash for people with moderate to severe gum disease. The authors investigated the effectiveness of chlorhexidine mouthwash when used in addition to mechanical oral hygiene regimen such as toothbrushing and cleaning between teeth.
Often, these are people who have relied heavily on mouthwashes and underutilised the conventional methods of cleaning teeth. The importance of toothbrushing cannot be overemphasized — chlorhexidine mouthwash will not magically dissolve the sesame seed firmly stuck between the teeth, for example. There are some specific circumstances where mouthwashes may have to play the main role in an oral hygiene regimen; after surgery especially surgery involving the jaws and in some individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.
You can buy chlorhexidine mouthwashes without prescription in the UK at the pharmacy. The most readily available concentrations in the UK are 0. Does it matter which one you get? The authors of this review found no evidence that one concentration is more effective than the other. There are also lower concentration 0. The participants of studies included in this review were instructed to use the mouthwash twice a day. 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. Essential oils contain 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.
Generally, these mouthwashes are considered as safe as they are natural products. Some essential oils have been found to have particular antibacterial properties that may make them useful as a mouthwash.
These include:. Essential oils mouthwash may be a good breath freshener. Salt water is commonly used and recommended after dental extraction. The anti-bacterial properties seem to decrease dental infections and gum inflammation, as well as a dry socket. Warm salt water is known to help with sore throats and tonsils. It also can alleviate mouth sores or ulcers.
As it has a low pH, salt water may help to treat bad breath. Bacteria that cause bad breath require a high pH in the mouth in order to thrive.
You can do this two to three times and repeat up to four times a day. Salt water is a good DIY option for keeping your mouth feeling fresh and clean. Other Ingredients: Most mouthwashes contain other chemicals that help to increase shelf life or give it a desirable color. You should read the label carefully to make sure you know all of the ingredients in the type you are using.
If you have an adverse reaction it could be due to one of these substances. Detergents: Water-soluble cleansing agent combines with impurities and dirt to make them more soluble. Common detergents are listed on labels as sodium benzoate and sodium lauryl sulfate. There are concerns about the safety of consuming these chemicals and some people do report adverse reactions.
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. Water: Water is used to dissolve and carry the other ingredients. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Gingivitis and periodontitis: Overview.
Updated February 27, Drinking alcohol is associated with variation in the human oral microbiome in a large study of American adults.
A 6-month clinical study assessing the safety and efficacy of two cetylpyridinium chloride mouthrinses. Am J Dent. GBD Alcohol Collaborators. Alcohol use and burden for countries and territories, A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study The Lancet.
Comparative evaluation of topical application of turmeric gel and 0. Natl J Maxillofac Surg. The fluoride debate: The pros and cons of fluoridation. Prev Nutr Food Sci.
Rashed HT. Evaluation of the effect of hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash in comparison with chlorhexidine in chronic periodontitis patients: A clinical study.
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By Brittany Leitner. Brittany Leitner. Learn about our editorial process. Learn about our Medical Review Board. Fact checked by Marley Hall. Our Top Picks. Best Overall:. Best Budget:. Contains the maximum strength of fluoride available in rinse form without a prescription. Best Alcohol-Free:. Best Sensitive:. Best for Dry Mouths:.
Relieves dry mouth for up to four hours. Best for Canker Sores:. Provided instant relief and didn't cause a burning sensation. Best Tasting:. This mouthwash tastes more like a dessert than an oral care product. It can also help to combat conditions such as receding gums, gingivitis, dry mouth, and plaque buildup.
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ACT Dry Mouth. Colgate Total Pro-Shield. Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic. TheraBreath Fresh Breath. How to choose a mouthwash.
Look for these ingredients.
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