Which mouthwash should I use? A simple guide

Supermarket shelves are full of mouthwashes that promise fresh breath and white teeth. The truth is simple: mouthwash does not replace brushing and cleaning between the teeth. But the right one, used correctly, can help in some situations.

Fluoride mouthwash — against decay

Useful for people with many cavities, braces or dry mouth. Use it at a different time from brushing (for example after lunch), because rinsing right after brushing washes away the fluoride from your toothpaste.

Chlorhexidine — a short-term medicine

A strong antibacterial rinse that dentists recommend for short periods, for example after gum treatment or surgery. Used for weeks it can stain teeth brown and change taste, so use it only as advised.

Alcohol-free rinses

Alcohol can sting and dry the mouth. If you have a dry mouth, sensitive gums or mouth ulcers, choose an alcohol-free product.

“Whitening” mouthwashes

They can remove a little surface stain, but they cannot change the tooth colour like professional whitening. See what is realistic in our whitening simulator.

For bad breath

Mouthwash covers bad breath for a short time. The real causes are usually the tongue, gum disease or a cavity — read causes of bad breath. Cleaning the tongue every day works better than any rinse.

Children

Children under six should not use mouthwash because they may swallow it. Older children should use it only if the dentist recommends it.

Not sure what you need? Ask at your next check-up at DR. ELAF Dental Clinic in Erbil — book here.