Dr. Benson Chen and Dr. Peter Huang acquired their dental degrees at New York University College of Dentistry in 2007 and 2010 respectively. To further advance his dentistry knowledge and skills, Dr. Huang attended General Practice Residency at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center from 2010-2012. In 2012, Dr. Huang was chief resident and worked closely with oral surgeons at the hospital in Bronx, New York.
Maintaining optimal dental hygiene is centered around daily brushing and flossing as well as attending routine examinations throughout the year. But what about mouthwashes? A mouthwash, or oral rinse, is a liquid product used to rinse and clean your mouth, gums, and teeth. These products typically contain antiseptics to kill harmful bacteria that can live in your mouth, between your teeth, and on your tongue.
Adding a mouthwash to your oral care routine can help not only to freshen your breath but also improve the health of your mouth. There are various mouthwashes out on the market so it is important to educate yourself to determine which is right for you and your oral care routine.
As stated above, using the right mouthwash can support your overall dental health to keep your smile radiant. Just like floss, mouthwash is capable of reaching areas of your mouth that your toothbrush cannot. When used correctly, certain mouthwashes can lower the accumulation of plaque on teeth which reduces your risk of developing tartar, cavities, and gum disease. This is accomplished by the active ingredients within the oral rinse.
Though the ingredients may vary from product to product, generally mouthwashes contain antiseptic ingredients such as alcohol, menthol, or cetylpyridinium chloride to eliminate bacteria. When swished around in your mouth, the filmy bacteria that forms plaque is removed while other additive ingredients like fluoride are absorbed into your enamel to strengthen your teeth making them more durable and plaque resistant.
When selecting your mouthwash, consider your personal oral health goals. Are you wanting to tackle bad breath? Or is plaque and gum disease more your concern? There are two main types of mouthwash: therapeutic and cosmetic.
Antibacterial mouthwashes are beneficial for patients with gingivitis, or the early stage of gum disease, and reduce your risk of tooth decay by combatting the accumulation of plaque on teeth. Mouthwashes that contain fluoride work to protect your teeth from the harmful acid produced by bacterial plaque. The fluoride is absorbed into your teeth to strengthen your enamel making them more resistant to acid and protecting against tooth decay and cavities. We recommend patients speak with their dentist before purchasing a fluoride mouthwash as excessive intake, especially in children, can damage your teeth.
There are even mouthwashes on the market for patients who wish to reduce their tooth sensitivity. These products contain active ingredients that desensitize the nerves within your teeth to protect them from sensitivity triggers.
Alcohol can be found in many rinses on the market. However, if you have young children or are wanting to avoid products containing alcohol, there are a variety of alcohol-free mouthwashes that are just as effective and gentle on your teeth and gums.
Though some people only use mouthwash in a pinch to freshen their breath, others include it as part of their daily routine. Whether you use it daily or just for special occasions, here our recommendations to ensure you maximize the benefits of your mouthwash:
For the product to work as directed, we recommend avoiding eating or drinking for 30 minutes after. It is also important to note that mouthwash does not replace brushing or flossing your teeth and is only effective when used correctly.
When you think of toothpaste, what comes to mind? Do you pick toothpaste targeted towards tooth sensitivity? Whitening? How about flavors? Do you prefer spearmint, cool mint, or maybe cinnamon? For many, one key ingredient they look for when buying a new toothpaste is fluoride to help strengthen their teeths enamel and prevent cavities.
Though fluoride has been the golden standard for protecting your teeth, it isnt the only way to protect your dental health. Wed like to take a moment to tell our patients about the ever-growing prevalence of hydroxyapatite and the important role it can play in protecting, strengthening, and whitening your teeth.
Though the name may sound intimidating, hydroxyapatite is not. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a form of calcium apatite, also known as calcium phosphate, and is a naturally occurring mineral that makes up our bones and teeth. It makes up over 90% of the foundation of your tooths enamel and 60% of your bones.
Even if lab-created, this important mineral can assist in strengthening, restoring, and rebuilding your teeth and bones. Specifically, in dentistry, it has become a healthy alternative in toothpaste to fluoride thanks to its natural remineralizing and restorative properties. This is especially important for patients who prefer to minimize their exposure to fluoride.
Your tooths enamel is the first line of defense against harmful acids and bacteria, and it works to fight against tooth decay. To keep your teeth protected from cavities and decay, the enamel must constantly be rebuilt or remineralized. Fluoride toothpaste is often recommended for strengthening your enamel and works by making the teeth more resistant to cavities and tooth decay.
The difference with hydroxyapatite is that this mineral is naturally restorative and actively rebuilds your enamel by feeding it every mineral it needs. It is also effective in reducing your risk for tooth decay, cavities, and enamel erosion.
Hydroxyapatite is biocompatible and non-toxic as it is a naturally occurring mineral found within our bodies. There is no risk of overexposure as there can be when using fluoride-based products. It is ideal for children, pregnant women, and those at high risk of developing fluorosis. Though it is safe for ingestion, we do not recommend eating it.