In this blog post from the Center for Dental Anesthesia in Alexandria VA, we’ll discuss mouthwash. Many of our patients use it to freshen their breath and help retard tooth decay. But mouthwash should never be used exclusively. Good oral hygiene starts with thorough tooth brushing and flossing. Mouthwash is an extra tool in your dental hygiene tool box.
It is important to know what kind of mouthwash you are using. Some brands only mask bad breath, while others help reduce the bacteria that causes it (and plaque) in the first place.
If you suffer from bad breath, it is important to choose a mouthwash with ingredients that help prevent tooth decay, such as fluoride. But Virginia men and women also need to use caution when using mouthwashes because many of the ingredients are dangerous when the recommended amount of mouthwash is exceeded.
Some of the poisonous components are chlorhexidine gluconate, ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, and methyl salicylate. If you experience throat pain, vomiting, headache, or abdominal pain after using mouthwash, seek medical help immediately. The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can answer questions about mouthwash ingredients.
At the Center for Dental Anesthesia we want everyone to have great smelling breath, but to use caution when treating their bad breath. Make sure to read your mouthwash label and follow all instructions given.
At the Center for Dental Anesthesia in Alexandria VA, we offer our patients family and cosmetic dentistry. And we are among the few practices to offer special needs dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.
Contact Center for Dental Anesthesia:
703-379-6400
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
5284 Dawes Ave
Alexandria, Virginia
22311
