Mouthwash

Mouthwash is a liquid rinsed around the mouth and then spat out, used to freshen breath or deliver ingredients that affect oral health.

Fluoride: Fluoride is a mineral ion that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent tooth decay. Fluoride mouthrinses deliver this decay-preventing ingredient to tooth surfaces.
Dental plaque: Dental plaque is a structured microbial community that forms on teeth and along the gumline. Antiseptic rinses can affect plaque bacteria, but do not mechanically remove established deposits.
Gingivitis: Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, usually caused by plaque accumulation at the gumline. Some antiseptic rinses help reduce gingival inflammation alongside brushing and interdental cleaning.
Toothbrushing: Toothbrushing is the use of a brush and dentifrice to clean tooth surfaces and disrupt plaque. Unlike rinsing, brushing physically removes plaque from accessible tooth surfaces.
Dental erosion: Dental erosion is the chemical loss of tooth mineral caused by acids not produced by oral bacteria. Frequent exposure to acidic rinses may contribute to enamel erosion.
Chlorhexidine: Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic used to reduce bacteria on skin and in the mouth. Prescription rinses use it to control plaque and gum inflammation over limited periods.
Biofilm: A biofilm is a community of microorganisms attached to a surface and embedded in a self-produced matrix. Dental plaque is an oral biofilm, which helps explain why rinses may not reach every bacterium.
Dental caries: Dental caries is the progressive breakdown of tooth structure caused by acid produced by oral bacteria. Fluoride rinses can help prevent caries by strengthening enamel against acid attack.
Interdental cleaning: Interdental cleaning removes plaque and debris from spaces between teeth using floss or other devices. Rinsing does not reliably substitute for cleaning plaque from tight spaces between teeth.
Tooth staining: Tooth staining is discoloration of teeth caused by pigments, deposits, or changes within tooth structure. Chlorhexidine rinses can cause noticeable surface staining during use.

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