Rinsing is the most convenient method for oral hygiene. It removes food debris and some soft plaque from the mouth while temporarily reducing oral bacteria. In recent years, as awareness of oral health has grown, mouthwashes that freshen breath and protect teeth have gained popularity. Some individuals even use medicated mouthwashes long-term for better results, but this is actually incorrect.
Mouthwashes fall into two main categories: preventive and therapeutic. Preventive mouthwashes generally have a pleasant taste and primarily contain oral fresheners to eliminate bad breath. They require no special guidance and have no restrictions on users.
Therapeutic mouthwashes, however, contain medicinal ingredients like chlorhexidine or compound iodine agents for anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. These should not be used indiscriminately.This type of mouthwash can prevent and control inflammation of periodontal tissues, making it suitable as an adjunctive treatment for periodontal disease and oral mucosal disorders.
However, healthy mouths naturally harbor beneficial bacterial flora. Prolonged use of medicated mouthwashes with antibacterial effects can excessively suppress certain bacterial species, leading to an imbalance in oral microbiota that ultimately harms oral health.Furthermore, prolonged use of chlorhexidine can cause staining on teeth and oral mucosa surfaces, diminish taste bud sensitivity, and inhibit saliva secretion, leading to discomfort such as dry mouth and burning pain. Therefore, medicated mouthwashes should be used selectively under a doctor's guidance and not self-administered long-term.
When using mouthwash, note that neither therapeutic nor preventive types should be used daily like toothpaste, with particular caution for therapeutic mouthwashes. Avoid using chlorhexidine mouthwash immediately after brushing, as surfactants in toothpaste can inhibit its antibacterial effects. Additionally, do not rinse with water after using mouthwash.