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What mouthrinse is best?

Mouthrinse...which one?

There are essentially two types of mouthrinses: 1) therapeutic 2) cosmetic

Examples of therapeutic types:

  1. Cetlpyridnium chloride- decreases bacteria that cause bad breath
  2. Chlorhexidine- controls plaque and gingivitis by killing the anaerobic bacteria
  3. Essential Oils- controls bacterial growth- bacteriostatic
  4. Fluoride- remineralizes the enamel and prevents decay
  5. Peroxide- creates an environment that bad bacteria (anaerobic bacteria) can’t grow in

Examples of cosmetic types

  1. Whitening- carbamide perioxide or 1.5% peroxide decreases extrinsic staining over 12 week period.
  2. Breath control-Temporarily controls bad breath without killing bacteria

Depending on your clinical situation the pH may be a factor in sensitivity or decay. For example those persons on chemotherapy are more prone to dry mouth or xerostomia and will require fluoride as well as an antibacterial agent to keep them healthy.

Below is a list of mouthrinses and the pH from their reported material and data safety reports.  Give us a call to discuss what’s right for you!

 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
Author
Kari L. Sakurai , D.D.S. Dr. Sakurai is on staff at UCLA Medical Center, St. John's Health, SM-UCLA Orthopedic Hospital, and at LAC+USC as Assistant Adjunct Professor of Clinical Dentistry. With over 25 years of clinical experience and teaching at cutting edge, Universities helps us deliver the evidence-based technology care to our patients.

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