There are “Mouthwashes” and then there are “Mouthwashes”…..

The first thing to know is that you shouldn't buy anything that doesn't have the ADA stamp of approval. To get that designation, these products have to make it through exhaustive and independent testing that verifies the company's claims.

Secondly, there are essentially 3 different kinds of mouth rinses:

1.      Breath Freshener Mouthwashes  (Scope and Plax)

2.      Fluoride Rinses  (Fluoroguard and ACT)

3.      Antiseptic Anti-bacterials (Listerine)

Breath Freshener Mouthwashes  (Scope and Plax)

DON'T BOTHER with these. Some claim to kill germs that cause gingivitis and bad breath. But these may be more "cosmetic" than therapeutic. They rarely suppress bad breath for longer that a few minutes. Studies have shown that most are not much more effective at reducing bacteria in the mouth than rinsing with water.

The real concern here is that using a mouthwash to mask the smell of bad breath may be keeping you from finding out the REAL cause of the odor: gum disease or other health conditions. (See our Sept. 21 Facebook entry!)

Fluoride Rinses   (ACT or Fluoroguard )

A SMART BUY IF... you have a tendency for cavities. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decayby a chemical reaction that strengthens your enamel. People who have never had a cavity have naturally "resistant" teeth so they do not need a daily Fluoride rinse.

But other people do benefit: People who have a lot of fillings and dental work,...  People who are wearing anything in the mouth regularly, like Braces, Jaw Splints, Invisalign, Partial Dentures,... People with abnormal dryness of the mouth,... People who are in Radiation or Chemotherapy.

Antiseptic Anti-bacterials  (Listerine )

VERY SMART BUY,.... We think Listerine really does what it says it does. I always tell my patients that anything that tastes that strong has GOT to be killing things!

But seriously,.. If you put Listerine (cut with some water), in a WaterPik and flush the mixture between your teeth before bed every night, you might never have a day's worry about gum disease. It's THAT good.  (That's assuming that you also go to the dentist to get your teeth cleaned and visit with us every 6 months,... Just to be sure!!)

Smokers should use it every night of their lives. Anyone whose parents lost their teeth should do the same.

NEW!!!....THE VERY BEST BUY....  The product called "Listerine Total" may be the best buy! This is what we use at home before bed. Make it the last thing in your mouth before bed. It has the Fluoride and Antibacterial promise in one rinse. BRILLIANT!