How to choose a Mouthrinse

FAQ's

Why do some mouthrinses taste like Medicine? The medicine-like aftertaste is generally caused by the alcohol content of the product.  Most commercial mouthwashes contain alcohol, many high in concentrations. 

Is alcohol necessary to do the job? No. In fact, alcohol as an ingredient in a mouthwash presents a number of clinical problems.  For example, it has been implicated in aggravating existing inflammations and drying out mucous membranes.  There are some over-the-counter alcohol-free mouthrinses that have anti-microbial formulas available.

How can I be sure my mouthrinse is really eliminating bad breath?
Bacteria can contribute to "bad breathe"(halitosis). A mouthrinse that can demonstrate anti-microbial activity to commonly found bacteria can alleviate this problem.

Are breath mints and sprays a good alternative to mouthrinses? In general, they do not freshen breath as effectively as mouthwashes.  In essence, these agents mask odors for an extremely short period of time instead of killing odor-producing bacteria as effectively as mouthrinses do.  Some breath mints containing sugar, dextrin and starch, which may sour in the mouth and help promote tooth decay in susceptible individuals. 

What is the difference between a mouthwash for freshening breath and a "pre-brushing", or "anti-plaque" rinse? According to scientific literature, there is no real difference.  All types of formulas freshen breath and promote oral hygiene by mechanically loosening plaque or food deposits.

What attributes should I look for in a mouthrinse? The mouthrinse should not stain the teeth. Choose one that has a pleasant taste, as long as it is proven to inhibit the growth of the germs that cause bad breath.