Specialized Mouthwashes
Dentists may recommend a specialized or post-surgical use for mouthwashes. Patients can avail themselves of specific mouthwashes after they’ve undergone oral surgery.
These surgeries can include dental implant surgery or impacted wisdom teeth removal. You can also help the treatment of advanced gum disease (periodontitis) and dry mouth with your mouthwash choice.
Prevent Mouthwash Drawbacks by Proper Usage.
Dental specialists and experts warn that mouthwash should be used correctly and with due diligence to get the best results from it. You can overuse mouthwash, after all. Just follow the directions on the bottle and keep in mind the drawbacks from misuse outlined below.
Read the Label. As mentioned earlier, there are at least two different types of mouthwash, and specialized mouthwashes have their own subtypes. Since these products have their own purposes and ingredients, use them only when needed.
Prescription mouthwashes should only be used as prescribed by your dentist. Cosmetic or “regular” mouthwashes also recommend occasional use like every other day or every week. Use it twice daily only when required (like if you need to treat heavy halitosis).
Follow Its Instructions. There are certain mouthwashes that recommend you use them before brushing instead of after brushing. Other mouthwashes specify that you use them to rinse out the toothpaste after brushing.
Also remember that mouthwash isn’t a substitute for brushing and flossing. You can gargle mouthwash on short notice to get rid of bad breath (just like when eating mint). However, you still need to get back to your regular oral hygiene regimen ASAP.
Don’t Swallow the Mouthwash. Don’t swallow the mouthwash because you’re supposed to wash it in your mouth to rinse and catch all the food debris, plaque, and bacteria inside it for spitting afterwards. Swallowing it defeats its purpose.
Moreover, it’s not even formulated for ingestion. Certain prescription mouthwash has ingredients you shouldn’t swallow at all in large quantities because they’ll certainly prove toxic if done so.
Limit Alcohol-Based Mouthwashes. Only occasionally use alcohol-based mouthwashes because they have the side effect of drying your mouth, which ironically, you’ll have to address with a mouthwash for dry mouth.
It’s definitely not suitable for people who suffer from dry mouth! Also, they’re definitely one of those mouthwashes that follow the “Use occasionally and moderately” rule of thumb. Usually, alcohol-free options are less of a headache to use.
Consult Your Dentist for More Info. Consult your dentist if you’re not sure of which mouth rinse or mouthwash to buy for you. Or he can instead prescribe a specific prescription mouthwash in order to treat any ailment you might have.
A dentist can personalize recommendations based on your condition, oral health, and underlying dental or gingival diseases. As noted above, there’s mouthwash for everything, from post-surgery care to periodontal treatment.