To help, we’re going to use some ADA Seal of Acceptance options as chosen by the medical website Healthline.com.
Each of these has some different attributes, so see which could fit your needs. These are “therapeutic” mouthwashes, meaning they’re doing a job either fighting cavities and gum disease or helping keep dry mouth in check, in addition to freshening your breath.
Since we just celebrated the Academy Awards a few days ago, can we please have the envelopes for the winners from the Healthline.com choices.
- Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection — The active ingredient in this Crest mouthwash is cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that works on bad breath, tooth decay, and conditions such as gingivitis and receding or bleeding gums. It is alcohol-free, so it doesn’t burn, but some may find the aftertaste from the CPC too much.
- Crest Pro-Health Advanced with Extra Whitening — This contains fluoride for fighting cavities and hydrogen peroxide for removing surface stains and whitening teeth. It also strengthens tooth enamel and kills the germs causing bad breath. Whitening takes time, though.
- ACT Total Care Anticavity Fluoride — Active ingredient is fluoride, making it good for preventing decay, strengthening enamel, and promoting healthy gums. Comes in two flavors: one formulated with 11 percent alcohol and the other alcohol-free.
- ACT Dry Mouth — Is alcohol-free and doesn’t burn. Is highly effective at reducing dry mouth for many hours after use. Also contains fluoride for cavity fighting. Xylitol is an active ingredient. Xylitol is also in sugar-free gum. It increases the amount of saliva in the mouth, and this also reduces S. mutans bacteria, which cause plaque to form on the teeth.
- Colgate Total Pro-Shield — Alcohol-free and with a mild peppermint taste. Active ingredient is cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). Kills germs for up to 12 hours, even after eating meals. Good for keeping breath fresh and reducing plaque buildup.
- Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic — Active ingredients are menthol, thymol, eucalyptol, and methyl salicylate. Along with its alcohol base, these essential oils provide an intense, minty tingle that’s pleasing for some, but too strong for others. The antimicrobial properties of the essential oils make it very effective at reducing plaque, gingivitis, receding gums, and bad breath.
- TheraBreath Fresh Breath — TheraBreath is alcohol-free and antibacterial. It reduces sulfur-producing bacteria in the mouth, eliminating even severe bad breath for up to 1 day. Its active ingredients include peppermint oil, citric acid, castor oil, tetrasodium edta, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chlorite, and sodium benzoate. Some people find TheraBreath alters their taste buds for a while after use.
So, there you have a bunch of choices for possible mouthwashes to add to your home oral hygiene. Dr. Smith and Dr. Feng are fans of all of them, but they do have individual differences you may or may not like.
Is it time for your next cleaning and exam with the team at Pound Ridge? Call us at (914) 764-3540 to make your appointment.
