Whether it's to mask bad breath, fight cavities or prevent the buildup of plaque, the sticky material that contains germs and can lead to oral diseases, mouth rinses serve a variety of purposes. Or so we think.

Though they may leave your mouth with a clean, fresh taste, some rinses can be harmful, concealing bad breath and unpleasant taste that are signs of periodontal diseases which cause inflammation and degeneration of the supporting structures of the teeth and tooth decay. Your dentist will tell you, most mouth rinses just don't wash.

What are the differences in rinses?
Rinses are generally classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as either cosmetic or therapeutic, or a combination of the two. Cosmetic rinses are commercial over-the-counter (OTC) products that help remove oral debris before or after brushing, temporarily suppress bad breath, diminish bacteria in the mouth and refresh the mouth with a pleasant taste. Therapeutic rinses have the benefits of their cosmetic counterparts, but also contain an added active ingredient that helps protect against some oral diseases. Therapeutic rinses are regulated by the FDA and are voluntarily approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Therapeutic rinses also can be categorized into types according to use: antiplaque/antigingivitis rinses and anticavity fluoride rinses.

Should I use a rinse?
That depends upon your needs. Most rinses are, at the very least, effective oral antiseptics that freshen the mouth and curb bad breath for up to three hours. Their success in preventing tooth decay, gingivitis (inflammation of the gingival gum tissue) and periodontal disease is limited, however.

Rinses are not considered substitutes for regular dental examinations and proper home care. Dentists stress a regimen of brushing with a fluoride toothpaste followed by flossing, along with routine trips to the dentist, should be sufficient in fighting tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Which type should I use?
Again, that depends upon your needs. While further testing is needed, initial studies have shown that most over-the-counter antiplaque rinses and antiseptics aren't much more effective against plaque and periodontal disease than rinsing with plain water. Most dentists are skeptical about the value of these antiplaque products, and studies point to only a 20 to 25 percent effectiveness, at best, in reducing the plaque that causes gingivitis.

Anticavity rinses with fluoride, however, have been clinically proven to fight up to 50 percent more of the bacteria that cause cavities. Nevertheless, many dentists consider the use of fluoride toothpaste alone to be more than adequate protection against cavities.

Dentists will prescribe certain rinses for patients with more severe oral problems such as caries, periodontal disease, gum inflammation and xerostomia (dry mouth). Patients who've recently undergone periodontal surgery are often prescribed these types of rinses. Likewise, many therapeutic rinses are strongly recommended for those who can't brush due to physical impairments or medical reasons.

When and how often should I rinse?
If it's an anticavity rinse, dentists suggest the following steps, practiced after every meal: brush, floss, then rinse. Teeth should be as clean as possible before applying an anticavity rinse to reap the full preventive benefits of the liquid fluoride. The same steps can be followed for antiplaque rinses, although Plax brand recommends rinsing before brushing to loosen more plaque and debris, a measure which has not been clinically proven to be effective.

If ever in doubt, consult your dentist or follow the instructions on the bottle or container. Be sure to heed all precautions listed.

What is the proper way to rinse?
First, take the proper amount of liquid as specified on the container or as instructed by your dentist into your mouth. Next, with the lips closed and the teeth kept slightly apart, swish the liquid around with as much force as possible using the tongue, lips, and sucking action of the cheeks. Be sure to swish the front and sides of the mouth equally. Many rinses suggest swishing for 30 seconds. Finally, rinse the liquid from your mouth thoroughly.

Are there any side effects to rinsing?
Yes, and they vary depending on the type of rinse. Habitual use of antiseptic mouthwashes containing high levels of alcohol (ranging from 18 to 26 percent) may produce a burning sensation in the cheeks, teeth and gums. It can cause intoxication if swallowed, used excessively, or used by children. For a child weighing only 26 pounds, 5 to 10 ounces of many OTC rinses containing alcohol can be potentially lethal.

Many prescribed rinses with more concentrated formulas can lead to ulcers, sodium retention, root sensitivity, stains, soreness, numbness, changes in taste sensation and painful mucosal erosions. Most anticavity rinses contain sodium fluoride, which if taken excessively or swallowed, can lead over time to fluoride toxicity. Because children tend to accidentally swallow mouthwash, they should only use rinses under adult supervision. If you experience any irritating or adverse reactions to a mouth rinse, discontinue its use immediately and consult your dentist.

Can I make a home-made rinse?
Yes. You can prepare at home three widely used alternatives to brand name cosmetic rinses:

saline solution rinse

1. 1/2 tsp. salt + 8 oz water
   for a stronger solution
2. 1/2 tsp. salt + 4 oz water.
   sodium bicarbonate
3. 1/2 tsp. baking soda + 8 oz. water.

What are the ingredients in rinses that make them work?
Most over-the-counter rinses contain five standard components: an active bacteria- fighting ingredient such as quaternary ammonium compounds, boric and benzoic acid, and phenolic compounds; a flavoring agent such as saccharin or glycerin; astringents like zinc chloride to provide a pleasant-tasting sensation and shrink tissues; ethyl alcohol, ranging from 18 to 26 percent; and water.

Rinses can also contain buffers to reduce acidity, dissolve mucous films and alleviate soft tissue pain. Anticavity rinses usually contain 0.05 percent sodium fluoride, or 0.1 percent stannous fluoride, as approved by the FDA.

Active ingredients in antiplaque rinses vary. Certain rinses contain Chlorhexidine (the most effective plaque-fighting drug yet tested, available only by prescription). Heavy metal salts or herbal extracts like sanguinaria, derived from the bloodroot plant.

Commonly-used Rinses
1. Antiplaque / antigingivitis Rinses
• Therapeutic Antiseptics
- Phenol products: Listerine(1), Chloraseptic
- Chlorhexidine products(2): Peridex(1,2), PerioGuard(1,2),
- Corsodyl(1,2)
- Sanguinaria products: Viadent
• Cosmetic antiplaque rinses: Plax, Close-up Anti-Plaque, Oral-B Antibacterial

2. Therapeutic Anticavity Fluoride Rinses
Act(1), Fluorigard(1), Listermint with Fluoride(1), Oral-B Anticavity Rinse(1)

3. Cosmetic Breath Freshening Mouth Rinses
Cepacol, Lavoris, Scope, Signal, Clear Choice, Rembrandt Mouth Refreshing Rinse

4. Others
• Topical antibiotic rinses(2,3)
• Enzyme rinses(2,3)
• Artificial saliva rinses(1,2)
• Rinses that control tartar (The hard, crusted calcium deposits that form on
• teeth)(3)

1. approved by the American Dental Association
2. available by prescription only
3. still undergoing tests

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