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A mouthwash is basically a medicated solution used for gargling and rinsing mouth and throat. It is commonly used to avoid bad breath and keep your mouth fresh. The question that arises is that why to use them when brushing with toothpaste gives you a fresh breath anyways. There are high-end toothpastes that combine cleaning and mouth freshening. The answer lies in that there are various types of products in this category. Some are simply for cosmetic purposes while others are for therapeutic use. Mouth rinses that you normally find in supermarkets have cosmetic value. These contain fluoride and other active ingredients for prevention of tooth decay and reduction of dental plaque. These are sodium fluoride based rinses with chlorhexidine as an active ingredient. Chlorhexidine is a long-lasting liquid antiseptic that is used by surgeons to wash their hands before performing surgery. These are not very effective in removing food particles embedded between teeth and are primarily meant for disguising bad breath. However, prolonged use of these rinses can prevent gingivitis as they do have an antimicrobial effect. At the same time, in the long term chlorhexidine may stain teeth, cause ulcers in the soft oral tissue and alter taste sensation.

Mouth rinses usually involve gargles with a small quantity poured into a glass. Another way is to use a mouthwash dispenser that comes with storage space, a tube opening and a pump. There are multiple designs of these glass or porcelain dispensers and can be refilled as when the need arises.

Besides rinses for concealing bad breath, there are also prescription mouthwashes for therapeutic use. Desensitizing rinses contain potassium nitrates to treat tooth sensitivity. Yet another type of rinse contains benzydamine, which has anesthetic and analgesic properties, and used to alleviate pain and discomfort due to inflammation of the mouth lining after chemotherapy.

Many people prefer a natural mouthwash to chemical rinses. Mint is one of the most common ingredients used for preparing natural rinses for treating bad breath. You can also prepare a mouth rinse at home by mixing one tbsp of brandy/vodka and few drops of essential oils in a small glass of warm water.

Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotic rinses. Antiseptic mouthwash is recommended for use after brushing and flossing and meant for reducing bacteria. An antiseptic rinse too has only cosmetic value unless it is prescribed by a dentist. Clove oil is a natural antimicrobial. 3/4 drops 4 ounces of warm make a very effective antiseptic rinse.

A mouth rinse is no substitute for teeth brushing and flossing. Some companies have been warned against the use advocating a rinse as a substitute to flossing. Flossing is manual removal of plaque and food particles from between your teeth. Although a mouthwash reaches the area between your teeth it cannot dislodge food particles embedded therein.