Fluoride in Toothpaste, Mouthwash and Rinses - Not Equal

If you brush your teeth and floss every day, odds are you don't need a mouthwash. Or to put it another way, if you're using a mouthwash regularly - even if it's fluoridated - then don't throw away your toothbrush. You need it to take advantage of the fluoride in toothpaste.

No matter how loaded with fluoride, rinses and mouthwashes aren't substitutes for regular brushing, flossing and dental visits. Even formulas specifically created to reduce plaque buildup haven't been shown to be much more effective than simply rinsing with plain water. And while anti-cavity rinses that contain fluoride have been proven to be effective, if you're already using a product with fluoride in toothpaste, then they're not really necessary.

Mouthwashes, in both medicated and non-medicated forms, do have a place in oral hygiene, however, even if they don't always live up the hype in commercials. Non-medicated mouthwashes are sold over-the-counter, often contain oils or alcohol, and are used primarily to help control bad breath. Fluoride rinses help fight cavities by hardening your teeth's outer enamel surface. Anti-plaque rinses are formulated to loosen and detach plaque from tooth surfaces above the gum line. Formulas also are available for smokers which use glycerin and salt-based ingredients to dissolve and remove tobacco and tar stains. Finally, natural mouthwashes that are alcohol- and sugar-free are available, many of which use baking soda to remove stains and mint oils for flavoring.

Medicated mouthwashes, meanwhile, are usually prescribed by your dentist for specific conditions like gum infections, ulcers or as a follow-up to gum surgery. Often these mouthwashes contain antiseptics like chlorhexidine gluconate, which helps prevent formation of plaque and tartar. These types of rinses are meant to be used for a short period of time only, as recommended by the prescribing dentist or oral surgeon.

Don't forget that some mouthwashes contain as much as 75 percent alcohol, so be sure to keep them out of reach of small children. It's also recommended they not be used by pregnant or nursing women. If anyone, especially a small child, swallows a significant amount of alcohol-laced mouthwash, it's a good idea to call your local poison control hotline.

If you decide a mouthwash is right for you, use it after brushing, not before. Swish or gargle for about 30 seconds, then spit the liquid out, instead of swallowing it. For best results, don't eat or brush for at least a half-hour after using mouthwash. Use fluoride rinses no more than once a day; other types can be used more than once per day. Or you could try a product like OraMD® that kills mouth bacteria, and may alleviate the need for mouthwash at all.

Continuing with a product that has fluoride in toothpaste or a product that is a fluoride toothpaste is one of the most effective routines you can establish for your dental health.