Rachel's CafeAll things coffee…

What type of mouthwash do you use before bed?

Ive heard of fluoride anti-cavaty washes before bed.

I’m wondering if you were diagnosed with a specific dental issue that needs extra care, like periodontitis? The reason I ask is because many dentists don’t even recommend mouthwash, with the understanding that mouthwash really doesn’t do anything that brushing and flossing can’t.

Definitely recommend stopping the green tea swishing though!! Green tea shouldn’t be used as a mouthwash, as it is actually somewhat harmful to your teeth – it can help cause erosion, stains, plaque. Green tea is in the same category as coffee and black tea for what it does to your teeth…

Salt water doesn’t do anything for normal teeth or gums. It won’t hurt them, but it also won’t help. Salt water has many benefits, including the ability to help cleanse an infection after dental surgery or an extraction, but as a mouthwash for regular teeth and gums, or for gum disease, periodontal issues, gingivitis, etc. it is unfortunately pretty useless.

Fluoride anticavity rinses are good, but only for kids – once you’re in adulthood, if you’re already brushing w/fluoride toothpaste, you don’t need a rinse. (Your enamel is fully formed, so the rinse won’t have much effect). However, if you have really “soft” enamel and need extra fluoride, special toothpastes with extra fluoride, such as Prevident (avail. from your dentist) are 100x more effective than rinses.

If you still want a fluoride rinse though, the best one over the counter is “Act”.

Studies have shown people who brush and floss have healthier teeth than people who brush and rinse, or people who just rinse. People who brush and floss also have teeth equally as healthy as those who brush, floss, AND rinse. So for most, it’s an unnecessary (and sometimes expensive) step.

The only exception is if you’ve been diagnosed with periodontal disease or gingivitis; then it’s important to rinse with something that will specifically kill the germs of that disease – the only thing that really accomplishes this is a prescription mouthwash with an ingredient called Chlorhexidine, usually brand name PerioGard or Peridex, or a natural rinse made by a company called “The Natural Dentist” (www.thenaturaldentist.com).

If you still feel you need a nightly rinse, I do highly recommend the Natural Dentist products to anyone interested in a natural solution – they’ve been proven to be very effective with cavities, plaque, and gingivitis while being all natural (most health food store alternatives are very low on the “effectiveness” scale).

Otherwise, I’d recommend using Crest Pro Health rinse, and I’d recommend avoiding Listerine and rinses with similar ingredients..

Hope that helped!

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