Mouthwash & Mouth Rinse

Mouthwash is available in concentrated form . The products are diluted in clear water and used. They contain essences such as menthol or peppermint to temporarily freshen breath. However, they do not work against the causes of bad breath, which is usually caused by inflammatory diseases in the mouth. In such cases, only treatment by a dentist can help.

You use a mouthwash undiluted . It is designed to dissolve plaque and remove harmful germs. Mouthwashes containing fluorides such as stannous fluoride or amine fluoride loosen plaque and prevent new plaque from forming.

To complement your dental care, mouthwashes canloosen various depositsand thus help prevent gum disease. Plaque and germs build up in the spaces between your teeth in particular. However, children, the elderly, or people with limited mobility are often unable to use interdental brushes and dental floss well enough. In this case, it is helpful to use a mouthwash (for children without alcohol) before brushing your teeth, which can release deposits. Then remove these from your mouth with a toothbrush.

To prevent tooth decay, a mouthwash must contain at least 0.025 percent fluoride . This loosens plaque. This is helpful in the following cases:

• exposed tooth necks
• for elderly or disabled patients who cannot perform careful oral hygiene
• after periodontal treatment
• for wearers of orthodontic devices (e.g. brackets) that prevent mechanical cleaning of the interdental spaces

A gum-care mouthwash contains herbs that have a calming effect on inflammatory symptoms. They do not eliminate the inflammation, but they stimulate blood flow to the gums, making them more resistant to bacterial inflammation and soothing irritated areas.

Medical mouthwashes usually contain the germicidal chlorhexidine. In high doses of 0.2 percent chlorhexidine, these mouth disinfectants can temporarily replace mechanical tooth brushing. At the same time, they work against plaque bacteria.