Wash Your Mouth Out With...Mouthwash
We've all had that icky feeling of being around someone with bad breath. Because we never want to be the cause of that icky feeling, most of us pay attention to our own breath—by brushing our teeth often and by using mouthwash.
Morning is often the worst time for bad breath, because while you sleep, you produce less saliva to clean bacteria from your mouth. Bacteria forms plaque and can cause gum disease (gingivitis), so besides cosmetic reasons, there are health reasons for monitoring your breath.
Most mouthwashes contain alcohol—some up to 75 percent by volume. Keep mouthwash out of reach of young children.Don't ever swallow mouthwash. Spit it out. If you accidentally swallow some, call your doctor or the Poison Control Center.
There are several types of mouthwash on the market. Knowing what to look for can help you make the best choice.Fluoride rinses help fight cavities by hardening your teeth's outer enamel surface. Anti-plaque rinses loosen and detach plaque from tooth surfaces. Smoker's mouthwash dissolves and removes tobacco tar stains from your teeth. Natural mouthwashes are alcohol- and sugar-free. They often use baking soda, mint oils or ginger.
Published 01/30/09
