Dr. Richard Parsanko runs Sonoran Desert Dentistry in Scottsdale, Arizona. Here, he explains how to choose the right mouthwash — and how to know if you need one at all.
Mouthwash has two functions — making your breath smell fresher and killing germs. Some mouthwashes do one better than the other. Can you guess which one is harder to accomplish? That’s right, killing germs.
In my book, there are three things people should know about mouthwash. They are:
1. If you have a real periodontal problem (such as gum disease), you should be on a prescription mouthwash that contains chlorhexidine, which is an antibiotic that quickly kills germs. Chlorhexidine is not sold over the counter in the United States.
2. If you have a more minor problem, an over-the-counter mouthwash will do the trick. The only over-the-counter mouthwash approved by the ADA (American Dental Association) is Listerine. Why? Because only Listerine has special essential oils that kill a variety of gingivitis-causing bacteria. Personally, I recommend it. Non-ADA approved mouthwash brands such as Scope, Colgate, and Crest can do a lot for fresh breath, but not as much as Listerine for killing germs.
3. A lot of over-the-counter mouthwashes have alcohol in them (including Listerine), and you don’t have to be 21 years old to buy them. Alcohol helps kill germs, but it’s not the only ingredient that is effective at doing so. I have heard of alcoholics and children who want alcohol resorting to drinking mouthwash. Older people who are on medications that dry out the mouth also should not use alcoholic mouthwashes, because those could further dry out the mouth. If you have children or are otherwise in doubt, pick a non-alcoholic mouthwash such as Tom’s of Maine or the Crest Pro-Health Rinse.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
