When it comes to mouthwash, it’s easy to go down the wrong path.
“There (are) so many different types of mouthwashes on the market today, which makes it very difficult to choose which one is right for you,” Dr. Sheila Yaghmai, clinical assistant professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry, tells TODAY.com.
That’s why she recommends patients chat with their dentist or dental hygienist about whether they could benefit from using mouthwash first. Once the professionals give the go-ahead, then patients can discuss which type they should purchase.
It’s not just about which tools patients should use, though, Dr. Ruchi Sahota, a dentist based in Fremont, California and spokesperson for the American Dental Association (ADA), tells TODAY.com. For her patients who are concerned about issues like bad breath or teeth stains, the challenge is making sure they’re using those tools correctly, she says.
“Sometimes the key to treating those concerns is just using what you’re already using in a better way,” she explains. That’s another reason to check in with your dentist before going out to buy something new.
When the time comes to pick up a bottle of mouthwash, here’s what experts want you to know about choosing the right one.
Therapeutic mouthwashes
When choosing the best mouthwash for you, first think think about the specific issues you’re trying to address.
If you’re trying to tackle an oral health issue (you want to prevent cavities or reduce gingivitis symptoms, for instance), you should opt for what’s called a therapeutic mouthwash, Sahota explains. These contain active ingredients designed to manage those specific issues.
You should also look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on the bottle, she adds, which indicates that the product’s health claims have been independently assessed by the ADA. “That seals says that the product has been very thoroughly tested,” Sahota says, and “it’s not easy to get.” (See a list of ADA-accepted mouthwashes here.)
Also note that, while some…
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