Mouthwash - An Overview
It is generally believed that mouthwash (or mouth rinse) is mainly just for keeping your breath fresh. Fresh breath can be achieved different ways. There are many types of mouthwashes available, which apart from keeping your breath fresh by killing bad breath bacteria also keep your mouth and gums healthy. A first class mouthwash contains a number of items that can help protect your teeth and gums while keeping your breath fresh. 
It is true that mouthwash can greatly improve your oral health. There antiseptic properties are very helpful in reducing plaque buildup in your mouth. Plaque is usually the precursor to other, deeper, dental issues and even chronic bad breath. Using a good mouthwash can help to reduce the bacterial load in the mouth that frequently occurs from trapped food particles as well as germs from the common cold.
Mouthwash has a long history and has been around for generations. It is believed to have first appeared as a Chinese medicine, before the Greeks and Romans discovered it, and was quite common amongst the wealthy. Initially, mouthwash comprised of a mixture containing vinegar, salt and alum. Long ago this mixture was one of the only ways know to treat diseases of the gum.
The mouthwashes available today have come a long way thanks to science. They now include various flavorings, colorants, foaming agents, and antibacterial ingredients, with water as the main base. But not just any type of water. Water used for making mouthwash is de-ionized. This means the water has been deeply demineralized and therefore is extremely clean and pure.
The most important ingredient of mouthwash is the antibacterial components. Drugstore mouthwash may use eucalyptol, methyl, calcium, menthol, hydrogen peroxide and other chemicals as antibacterial agents, all of which can cause a burning sensation. Additionally, most mouth rinses use sweeteners like sodium saccharine and sorbitol to counter the burn.
Apart from over-the-counter mouthwashes, there are also available prescription oral rinses specially formulated to treat specific oral conditions. Your dentist or hygienist can help identifying the best mouthwash for your condition. Look for a mouthwash that will not only freshen your breath but will help keep your teeth and gums in good health. Use of mouthwash is an excellent way to provide optimal health benefits for your oral health and your overall health.
