To Rinse or Not to Rinse

Antiseptic, fluoride, mint, citrus-there's a rainbow of mouth rinses in your drugstore aisle. Do they really do everything they claim to?

Studies show that some types of mouth rinse provide benefits when combined with brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly. Look for the American Dental Association Seal of Approval and these ingredients:

• Antimicrobial agents. These germ-busters reduce plaque, fight gum disease and kill bugs that sour breath.
• Fluoride. This compound helps reduce lesions on your tooth enamel, preventing and slowing decay.
• Odor neutralizers. These also help control bad breath. However, see your doctor or dentist if bad breath keeps coming back. It might have a more serious cause.

Your dentist can help decide if a mouth rinse is right for you. Use the rinse either before or after-but not in place of-brushing.

Don't swallow mouth rinse, especially formulas containing ingredients such as ethyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Slurred speech, convulsions, and excessive sweating are signs of mouth rinse overdose. If you experience them, call local emergency services right away.

Sources include: American Dental Association, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial ResearchEnter textual content here...