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When you find yourself looking at mouthwash in the store, do you ever wonder why there is such a wide variety? Or do you wonder what different mouthwashes do? Generally, you can tell what different mouthwashes will do by their ingredients. To help you get the mouthwash that’s best for you, we’re glad to list some of the more common ingredients.

Fluoride: Some mouthwashes contain fluoride, which is important for fighting tooth decay. Fluoride mouthwash is useful for strengthening enamel and even reversing gum disease. If you use a mouthwash with fluoride, please brush and rinse at different times. Doing so will let you get the most cavity-fighting benefits.

Antimicrobials: Some mouthwashes are designed to fight bad breath, plaque, and gum disease, but mouthwashes with chlorhexidine should not be used long term. Typically, you should not rinse with a mouthwash containing chlorhexidine for more than 4 months.

Whiteners: When you first meet someone, they tend to notice your smile quickly. Luckily, some mouthwashes have whitening agents, such as peroxide. These ingredients are used to remove stains from your teeth and to give you a more attractive smile. Whitening mouthwashes work more effectively when combined with thorough brushing and flossing.

Please feel free to contact us soon if you are interested in learning more about the different ingredients you can find in mouthwashes.