Mouthwash

Antiseptic mouth rinse, often called mouthwash, is an oral hygiene product that claims to kill the germs that cause plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath. However, there is a widely held view that, even though mouthwash temporarily reduces bad breath, it is otherwise useless for oral health, and that one should always use a toothbrush and toothpaste instead.

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Proper use involves rinsing one's mouth with usually 20 milliliters of antiseptic mouth rinse two times a day after brushing. One then spits out the mouthwash and rinses the mouth with water.

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Active ingredients commercial brands of mouthwash can include thymol, eucalyptol, methyl salicylate, menthol, chlorhexidine gluconate, hydrogen peroxide and sometimes enzymes. Ingredients also include water, sweeteners such as sorbitol and Sodium saccharine, and a significant amount of alcohol (around 20%). Because of the alcohol content, it is possible to fail a breathalyzer test after rinsing one's mouth.

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A salt mouthwash is a homemade treatment for mouth infections and is made by dissolving a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.

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Bacteria often become resistant to active ingredients in the mouthwash, lessening its effectiveness.

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Antiseptic: An antiseptic (Greek αντι, against, and σηπτικος, putrefactive) is a substance that prevents the growth and reproduction of various microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses) on the external surfaces of the body. Some...

Oral hygiene: Oral hygiene is keeping the mouth clean. Oral hygiene is considered to be the best means of prevention of cavities (dental caries), gingivitis, periodontitis, and other dental disorders. It also helps to prevent bad breath (halitosis). Oral hygiene is necessary for all persons to maintain the health...

Germ: :For other senses of the word "germ", see germ (disambiguation)....