An antimicrobial mouthwash.
Mouthwash is a generic term for a liquid that a person splashes around their mouth after brushing their teeth. Antimicrobial means that the substance has some effect of killing or controlling microbes such as bacteria. An antimicrobial mouthwash, therefore, is a liquid that is specifically intended to reduce or control the level of microbes in the mouth. This type of product can range from a mouthwash that contains antibiotics to one that has a milder effect.
Antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and eliminate bad breath.
Antibiotics are a group of substances that are so good at killing bacteria that doctors give them to patients to get rid of an infection. Due to their biological effect, mouthwash antibiotics are not usually sold without a prescription. Tetracycline or doxycycline mouthwashes are some examples.
An antimicrobial mouthwash, rather than containing an antibiotic, may contain any other substance that is considered antimicrobial and safe for routine oral use. A common example is chlorhexidine, which is an antiseptic. This means that the chemical is not as effective as antibiotics in killing bacteria, but rather its main function is to stop the growth of microbes.
Many people use antimicrobial mouthwash along with brushing and flossing.
The mouth naturally contains microbes and they live harmlessly in most parts of the mouth and on the teeth. These natural bacteria appear to protect the oral environment from infection with other dangerous microbes. Because the mouth is part of the digestive system and many nutrients pass through it every day, sometimes the natural microbes in the mouth can overgrow and cause damage. The type of damage they can cause includes tooth decay and inflammation of the gums.
In addition to mouthwash, some people also use antimicrobial toothpaste.
This type of damage is very common in humans, so brushing and flossing is a daily routine. While the mechanical act of brushing and flossing removes particles, plaque buildup, and food, microbial concentrations in the mouth can grow out of control and cause damage. To keep microbe populations low in the mouth, some people use a mouthwash in addition to toothpaste, brushing, and flossing.
Natural microbes in the mouth can cause tooth decay and inflammation of the gums.
Dental research generally shows that an antimicrobial mouthwash approved by a trusted dental association can reduce a person’s chance of developing gum inflammation or cavities that require fillings. The amount of plaque on the teeth can also be reduced with regular use. Potential drawbacks of antimicrobial mouthwashes can include staining your teeth.