MOUTHWASH FAQ's
Should I use mouthwash?
As far as plauque removal, it's not going to do that for you. The reason this product sells is because people typically do not do a very good job of brushing. Mouthwash will mask the odor from the remaining plaque--temporarily.
It's up to you whether to invest in mouthwash. Good oral care does not require it. If you brush well, using the S.M.I.L.E. System for Brushing®, and the GPS for Flossing, clean your tongue and have your teeth clean regularly--you should be fine.
What's the deal with alcohol and alcohol-free mouthwashes?
A few studies have been done on the subject of alcohol in mouthwash. The thought is that there may be a connection between holding alcohol in the mouth, as you do with mouthwash, and oral cancer.
I err on the side of caution. Personally I do not use mouthwash regularly. When I do, I use alcohol-free.
What comes to mind for me is knowing that alcohol is dyhydrating. It causes "dysplasia" of cells. This is bad. You can read more HERE.
The "other" ingredients...
Most mouthwashes are sold in clear bottles so you can see the pretty colors--which come from the dye they add. I have seen teeth actually become stained from regular use of these--which is kinda the reverse effect of what you are wanting from good oral care--blue, brown or green stains on your not-so-pearly-whites.
Then there are the chemical addiditives. I once sent the label of ingredients from the oldest mouthwash company on the market to a professor at the University of Sacramento. I asked her what other things these ingredients are used for. Back came pages and pages of data. The two that were the most shocking were: "embalming fluid," and "preservative for railroad ties."
No thank you.
So I stick with products that are free of dyes, alcohol and caustic ingredients.
Which products are safe to use/recommended?
Dental Herb Co. makes an alcohol-free mouthwash. They call it a "tonic." It has a lot of "zip" and it works in conjunction with their toothpaste. If you want the freshest breath, use them both.
If you want a more bland but nearly as effective alcohol-free mouth rinse, try Clo-sys. Again, it's best to use their products together. I've tried them separately, but it's just not the same.
