Yes, many dentists recommend Listerine, especially Listerine Antiseptic, because the American Dental Association (ADA) has granted it their Seal of Acceptance for being safe and effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis as a supplement to brushing and flossing, but it's crucial to understand it's an adjunct, not a replacement, for mechanical cleaning. Dentists suggest it for specific needs like bad breath, post-surgery care, or dry mouth, but always advise consulting your dentist for personalized guidance, as it doesn't substitute brushing and flossing.
Dentists often don't recommend routine mouthwash because it can disrupt beneficial oral bacteria, cause dry mouth (especially alcohol-based types), mask underlying issues like bad breath, and potentially lead to tooth staining or taste changes, with brushing and flossing remaining the core of good oral hygiene, though prescribed rinses can be useful for specific, short-term conditions.
Australian dentists recommend different mouthwashes for specific needs, with options like Chlorhexidine (e.g., Savacol) for strong gum issues (short-term use), fluoride rinses (e.g., NeutrAfluor 220) for cavity prevention, and alcohol-free anti-plaque rinses (e.g., Colgate Plax, Listerine Total Care Zero) for daily use, all aiming to reduce bacteria, plaque, and inflammation alongside brushing and flossing.
Fluoride-containing mouthwash is generally recommended to help prevent tooth decay. Fluoride helps to remineralise the teeth and strengthen the tooth enamel to prevent cavities. This type of mouthwash is often recommended for people at risk of tooth decay.
Key Takeaways. Mouthwash is safe to use during pregnancy as long as you're not swallowing it (which you're not supposed to do, anyway). Out of an abundance of caution, skip alcohol-based mouthwashes.
If you have a low flow of saliva because of a medical condition or suffer from diabetes, you should avoid using a mouthwash that contains alcohol, to prevent your condition from getting worse. If you have a history of alcohol abuse, you should use alcohol-free mouthwash instead.
Avoid Scope, Listerine and the other commercial mouthwashes. They're acidic, contain potentially cancer-causing chemicals, and are just plain bad for you. Simpler, gentler, homemade rinses and those from CariFree, however, can soothe your mouth and balance your pH, among other benefits.
The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs' Acceptance of Listerine Antiseptic is based on its finding that the product is safe and has shown efficacy in helping to prevent and reduce gingivitis (and plaque above the gumline), when used as directed.
Three of our dentists gave Listerine Total Care Zero an alcohol-free thumbs up when it comes to good gum care. “It's a good alcohol-free rinse that helps reduce bacteria and supports tissue healing,” says Dr. Manuele.
I recommend Colgate NeutraFluor 220 Alcohol Free mouthwash. For people with gum related issues (gingivitis), I recommend an anti-plaque or anti-gingivitis rinse such as Listerine. If you want an all-round mouth-rinse, I would recommend the Oral B Clinical or Multi Protection or Listerine Total Care.
The "dentist 2 year rule" refers to two main concepts: the 2-2-2 oral hygiene rule (brush 2x/day for 2 mins, see dentist 2x/year) or the Australian Child Dental Benefits Schedule, a government program providing benefits for eligible children over a 2-year period. For general adults, the actual recommended checkup interval varies, but 1-2 years is common for healthy patients, while high-risk individuals need more frequent visits.
The 3-3-3 rule for toothache is a temporary pain management strategy: take 3 ibuprofen (200mg each) three times a day for 3 days, but 3 hours apart (or every 8 hours), to reduce inflammation and pain until you can see a dentist; it's crucial to consult a doctor first, especially with underlying conditions, as it's not a cure but a short-term fix for inflammation.
While it's not essential for everyone, mouthwash can be particularly helpful in certain cases: Gingivitis or early gum disease: Antimicrobial rinses can reduce inflammation and bacteria buildup along the gum line.
The 2-2-2 rule in dentistry is a simple guideline for good oral hygiene: brush twice a day, for two minutes each time, and visit your dentist twice a year, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems by establishing consistent habits for plaque removal and professional monitoring.
Common Side Effects
Don't rinse your mouth immediately after brushing, as it'll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the remaining toothpaste. Rinsing dilutes it and reduces its preventative effects.
Listerine Total Care is an excellent choice if you don't have a specific dental concern but want comprehensive protection. This multi-benefit formula addresses six aspects of oral health in one convenient rinse. This fresh mint fluoride mouthwash offers: Cavity prevention and enamel strengthening.
LISTERINE Clinical Solutions™ Enamel Repair is clinically proven to reduce the occurrence of cavities and tooth decay. It starts working on contact* to repair weakened enamel, offering a targeted solution for enamel concerns.
Whilst using mouthwash alone won't lower your gum disease risk, it can play a role in doing so, alongside adequate efficient brushing and flossing. Mouthwash can remove food particles left behind after brushing and flossing, acting as a supplement saliva of sorts!
Antimicrobial mouthwash might disrupt the oral microbiome and increase the number of certain dangerous bacteria, according to a new study. Previous research has linked certain oral bacteria to gum disease and cancer; however, experts are still learning more about the connection between the oral microbiome and health.
If possible, look for a mouthwash with antibacterial or antimicrobial ingredients. Fluoride is beneficial for oral health and can help prevent tooth decay. If you drink a lot of bottled water without fluoride, we may recommend that you purchase a rinse with fluoride in it.
The Mayo Clinic recommends using mouthwash after brushing and flossing your teeth. However, the National Health Service (NHS) recommends avoiding mouthwash right after brushing, since this may wash away the fluoride from your toothpaste. Instead, the NHS recommends using mouthwash at a different time of day.
Unfortunately, ingesting or exposing yourself to too much fluoride can cause numerous health problems. Some of the problems that have been linked to ingesting or being exposed to too much fluoride include: Arthritis. Increased risk of bone fractures.
Nothing can be better than good ol' baking soda and saltwater mouth rinse recipe to keep your mouth clean and your teeth white.