Mouthrinses and Chewing Gum

Mouthrinses

 

For the average healthy person with healthy teeth and gums a mouthrinse is not of any use.  They are never a substitute for proper cleaning and they can be harmful; causing staining of the teeth, concealing signs of gum or teeth problems, altering the bacterial flora in the mouth and many contain alcohol. However some have their uses.

 

Fluoride mouthrinses

They can be very beneficial.  Especially when having braces on the teeth.  The fluoride mouthrinse will get under the braces and into all the nooks and crannies which are impossible to clean. ‘Neutraflour’ by Colgate is good. Other mouthrinses by ‘Listerine’ and ‘Plax’ also contain small amounts of fluoride.  If using a mouthrinse it should be one that contains fluoride.

 

Anti-plaque mouthrinses

Such as ‘Plax’. They loosen plaque and help with cleaning.  The benefit is very small to marginal. Many people find the taste and the resultant fresh breath pleasant and refreshing.  There is no evidence that any of these mouthrinses leads to a decrease in gum or tooth disease.

 

Antibacterial mouthrinses

‘Savocol’is the gold standard. It is effective at preventing plaque from forming but it has side effects.  Dark brown staining on the surface of your teeth.  These stains can be easily removed but they can be very unsightly. Normally recommended in the short term for people who find cleaning painful or difficult.  For example following surgery in the mouth, post dental extractions, painful ulcers in the mouth or broken jaws.

 

Antiseptic Mouthrinses

‘Listerine’ have a number of antiseptic mouthrinses.  Not as effective as “Savocol’ and most do little more than freshen the breath for a few hours.

 

 

Chlorine Dioxide mouthrinses

Such a mouthwash is ‘Closys11’ of ‘BDT’. They eliminate the volatile sulphur compounds and kill harmful bacteria. They do not contain flavours or scents that cover or hide bad breath.  They do not contain alcohol.  Recommended for bad breath.

 

 

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mouthwash

 

 

Chewing gum

 

Chewing gum may stain the footpaths, invade school desks and appear to be of no value to anybody but it can have benefits (except for those people living in Singapore).

 

Sugarfree gum

If you want to benefit from chewing gum it has to be sugar free.  Such gums normally are sweetened with xylitol. Chewing gum can stimulate the flow of saliva.  The benefits of saliva are well known. If you have a dry mouth and problems with inadequate saliva chewing gum can help increase the rate and amount of saliva.  Eating and chewing food will do the same thing but there are limits to the amount of food one can eat.

 

‘Recaldent’

This chewing gum has the added benefit of remineralising and strengthening teeth.  It contains CPP-ACP.  This is the same chemical that is present in ‘Toothmousse’. It is derived from milk casein and is lactose free.

 

http://www.recaldent.com/

 

 

 

A website about chewing gum:

http://www.abc.net.au/science/k2/moments/s1366318.htm