LISTERINE® has been proven to kill 99.9% of germs, while ensuring healthy gums, clean teeth and fresh breath.
Research shows that antimicrobial LISTERINE® mouthwash kills oral bacteria within 30 seconds for a difference you will notice with continued use. In fact, the bacteria in plaque and saliva samples were killed within 30 seconds of coming into contact with LISTERINE® rinse. Don't give germs a fighting chance.
It destroys the bacterial balance in your mouth, dries out the skin, causes imbalances in pH levels, worsens bad breath, may cause mouth ulcers and increase your risk for oral cancer, and it may contribute to the development of gingivitis.
In addition to brushing and flossing, a mouthwash can help to eliminate remaining harmful bacteria. Peroxide can act to oxidize the oral environment which can lead to inactivating bacteria and viral particles, while alcohol can inactivate the proteins that some bacteria and viruses need to survive.
Chlorhexidine Mouthwash
It is a broad spectrum antimicrobial with particular use against bacteria that cause gum disease. Dentists do sometimes employ chlorhexidine mouthwash to treat patients with gum disease. Studies have shown it can reduce inflammation caused by periodontal bacteria.
While antibacterial products only target bacteria, antiseptic and antimicrobial agents can work against various types of microbes. So when it comes to antiseptic vs. antibacterial mouthwash, the former covers a broad spectrum of organisms, while the latter covers specific ones.
Chlorhexidine (Peridex) is a prescription medication that your dentist will prescribe you. Listerine is available over-the-counter. Although they are both used for gum health, they do not work exactly the same way.
There are both over-the-counter and prescription-based antibacterial mouthwashes. Here are some examples: Crest Pro-Health Intense Clean Mint Mouthwash. Colgate Total Advanced Pro-Shield Mouthwash.
For toothaches associated with infections, you may have to use antiseptic mouth rinses. Some mouth rinses contain ingredients that desensitize and relieve the pain in your teeth. There are also rinses that clear debris in your teeth that might be causing the sensitivity.
When you use mouthwashes that are considered “antiseptic” or “antibacterial”, they kill bacteria indiscriminately. This means they are killing both the good and bad bacteria in your mouth. This could reduce the effectiveness of your natural ability to fight pathogens and lessen your immunity.
Should you use mouthwash before bed? You certainly can, but use it half an hour after you brush so your toothpaste fluoride has time to work first. That way, the mouthwash adds to the protection. Otherwise, using the mouthwash right after you brush simply washes away the toothpaste fluoride.
It is not recommended to rinse your mouth with water after you have just used mouthwash. This is because many mouthwashes contain ingredients such as fluoride that need time to start working. If you rinse your mouth out straight after, the fluoride will also be washed away during the rinsing.
Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse is an antimicrobial rinse often used to treat the beginning stages of gum disease.
If you have dry mouth (also known as xerostomia), you want to avoid mouthwashes with alcohol in them. The alcohol will dry out your mouth further, exacerbating the symptoms and increasing your discomfort. Xerostomia sufferers should consider alcohol-free mouthwashes when perusing the oral health care aisle.
Using a mouthwash that contains fluoride can help prevent tooth decay, but don't use mouthwash (even a fluoride one) straight after brushing your teeth or it'll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste left on your teeth. Choose a different time to use mouthwash, such as after lunch.
The faster medical help is given, the better the chance for recovery. Drinking large amounts of mouthwash may cause symptoms similar to drinking large amounts of alcohol (drunkenness). Swallowing large amounts of methyl salicylate and hydrogen peroxide may also cause serious stomach and intestine symptoms.
A saltwater rinse can be performed three to four times a week, but it is important that you don't go beyond this because salt contains sodium, and too much sodium can impact your tooth enamel negatively.
Research proves a saltwater rinse containing 0.9 percent to 1.8 percent sodium chloride helps heal the gums. In addition, disinfectant properties are present in salt, helping kill harmful bacteria in the mouth while easing swelling and pain in the infected gums.
After brushing and flossing, you can use a salt rinse three to four times a week. But don't use a salt rinse more often than this - too much sodium could have negative effects on your tooth enamel, like eventual erosion⁴.
Rinsing with salt water 2-3 times a day can be effective in battling a gum infection. Be careful to not rinse with salt water too often, as this can cause the salt to affect your tooth enamel. Other homemade mouthwash combinations can also be effective, such as lemongrass and oil, aloe vera, and tea tree oil.