How Do Oral Rinses Work?

Oral rinses or mouthwashes are liquid solutions used for maintaining oral hygiene in addition to brushing and flossing. There are two types of oral rinses:

• Therapeutic oral rinses: These oral rinses have an antibacterial activity that kills bacteria associated with bad breath.
• Cosmetic oral rinses: These oral rinses may temporarily control bad breath, but they do not kill bacteria.

Therapeutic oral rinses may work by:

• Killing bacteria
• Sticking to the surface of the mouth and therefore forming a soothing, protective layer
• Increasing the resistance of teeth to acids and thus enhancing the penetration of fluoride into the tooth enamel

Oral rinses need to be swished around the entire mouth, including teeth, gums, and tongue, to help:

• Promote oral hygiene
• Reduce oral discomfort
• Provide moisture to oral tissues
• Control odorous breath

Oral rinses also help to treat:

• Plaque
• Gingivitis
• Dental caries
• Mucositis
• Oral irritation
• Oral sores

Oral rinses may cause some side effects, including:

• Mouth/gum irritation
• Discoloration of teeth
• Sialorrhea (hypersalivation)
• Burning sensation in the mouth
• Oral rinses, if accidentally swallowed, may cause:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Muscle tremors

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of oral rinses include:

• Bioadherent oral
• Cankaid
• Carbamide peroxide oral
• Gelclair
• Gly-oxide
• Mugard
• Orajel perioseptic
• Oral mucoadhesive
• Phos-flur gel
• Phos-flur rinse
• Prevident
• Prevident 5000
• Sodium fluoride topical