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In addition to recommendations from the ADA regarding routine toothbrushing and flossing, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs has indicated a benefit to oral health when therapeutic mouthrinses are used.
Since mouthrinses are categorized into 2 types, cosmetic and therapeutic, consumers should be aware of their uses and limitations. Both types of rinses contain water, alcohol, flavoring, and coloring agents. Cosmetic rinses contain astringent salts that deodorize bad breath temporarily.
Therapeutic rinses contain ingredients that combine and chemically inactivate bacteria that cause malodor, fluoride which protects against decay, and antimicrobials to reduce plaque, thereby reducing the formation of tartar and gingivitis and the cause of periodontal disease.
Patients who find it difficult to brush and floss may benefit from the addition of a specifically targeted mouthrinse to assist with their oral health regimen. Adult caries and periodontal disease increase the number of patients who experience partial or full tooth loss. Of adults over 65 years of age, 27% are edentulous.
Therapeutic mouthrinses and fluoridated toothpastes help reduce this number.
(Source: The Oral Care Report, Volume 18, Number 2, 2008)
