Myths Of Oral Hygiene Using Mouthwashes

Myths of Oral Hygiene using Mouthwashes

Myths Of Oral Hygiene Using Mouthwashes

Oral hygiene is a term known to many, but perhaps it is the most neglected hygiene of the entire body. And to top it all, there are numerous myths associated with oral hygiene. The three most common techniques used to maintain oral hygiene include brushing the teeth, flossing, and using mouthwashes.

While brushing removes the food lodged in the mouth and gets rid of various bacteria, flossing helps in cleaning the minute crevices and interdental spaces (the spaces between the teeth) which brushing is not able to do due to the large size of the bristles.

The question now is related to the function of mouthwash. For a layman, mouthwash performs the simple function of removing the bad breath. However, there is a lot more that needs to be borne in mind before using mouthwash. In this article, we shall try to bust various myths associated with mouthwashes.

Myth 1: Synthetic mouthwashes are better: It is often believed that the synthetic products, often marketed by manufacturers with the promise of being extremely effective in oral hygiene, are better than the natural extracts. It is a myth. Mouthwashes are important tools for maintaining oral hygiene, but it is not necessary to use the synthetic products. Mouthwashes made from natural products like essential oils such as eucalyptol, thymol, menthol etc; are found to be protective towards the DNA and hence are better choices.

Myth 2: All mouthwashes are same: The choice of mouthwash largely depends on the purpose for which it is used and on the composition it has. A mouthwash used for only freshening the breath will only remove the remnants of food while a therapeutic mouthwash will contain components to provide relief against the condition it is used for.

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Myth 3: Mouthwash cures bad breath: Research states that the saliva in our mouth is a natural guard against bad breath and it helps to prevent inflammation of the gums, called as gingivitis. Mouthwash may help in doing away with bad breath for a while, but it is not a permanent solution. The cause of bad breath may be varied and may be associated with many underlying general disorders.

Myth 4: A little time is enough: Most people believe that keeping the mouthwash in the mouth for a while will be enough. However, this is not true. For most mouthwashes to work, at least 30 seconds contact in the mouth is important. However, for best results, mouthwashes should be used as directed by the manufacturer.

Myth 5: Mouthwashes can replace brushing: It is a myth that needs to be busted as soon as possible. We already have an idea that brushing is an activity that needs to be performed daily. Hence mouthwashes can never replace brushing, neither in function nor safety concerns. However, they can be an addition to the oral hygiene practice for improvement.

Myth 6: Mouthwash cannot be used daily: This statement is not true for all the mouthwashes. There are various mouth rinses which can be used as part of the daily dental hygiene routine.

Myth 7: Mouthwash is only for the mouth: Besides cleaning the mouth, mouthwashes can be used to clean mouthguards also. This is mainly due to the composition of the mouthwash.

Conclusion:

Essential oils have been gaining a lot of attention in oral hygiene owing to their antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. A list of essential oils that maintain oral health are known and include menthol, thymol, eucalyptol, oil of wintergreen, and so on.

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Many studies have been performed and reviewed to conclude the efficiency of mouthwashes containing essential oils. Based on the scientific evidence, it can be concluded that essential oil containing mouthwashes have a positive effect on oral health. There are many options available in the market. However, look for the mouthwash that can effectively kill germs and overcome gum diseases.

Having said all this, it is important to bear in mind that mouthwashes are essential as and when directed by your physician. Certain fluoridated mouthwashes do help in preventing cavities and have antibacterial properties.

Besides, for short-term use, one of the natural mouthwash is the use of a pinch of salt in lukewarm water. Performing gargles with this salt and water combination helps in making you feel fresh and prevents various bacterial activities that might be taking place in the mouth. We believe that this information will be useful to you the next time you choose your mouthwash. Maintain your oral hygiene, use the best methods, keep improving your smile.


References:

Ghulam Zahara Jahangir et al, The Myth of Oral Hygiene using scientific mouthwash products, September 2016
The Mayo Clinic staff, Oral Health: Brush Up on Dental Care, May 2016
Lisa Bendall, Readers’ Digest, 6 Myths about mouthwashes that you need to stop believing right now,
Smith and Domilogue, Mouthwash Myths and Benefits, Acadiana Dentistry, 2016
National Dental Care, Does Mouthwash Work
Harold Katz, Therea Breath, Is the Acid in your mouthwash eroding the tooth Enamel?
What is mouthwash, how it works and How to use it? , Oral- B