Mouthrinses

Over the past 10 years there has been a dramatic increase in over the counter sales of mouthrinses. In particular teenagers and young adults are purchasing these products and these are now becoming part of the normal grooming process of youth. From a health promotion point of view this is a welcome trend since most of the mouthrinses sold contain therapeutic agents to control various oral health conditions such as caries, plaque/gingivitis and halitosis.

  • Mouthrinses containing fluoride are very effective in control of dental caries and are especially useful for those wearing orthodontic bands.
  • Mouthrinses are also available for the control of gingivitis and the sales of these mouthrinses have increased
  • Many people use mouthrinses to freshen their breath.

Rinses containing fluoride to control dental caries

Fluoride mouthrinses have been used for many decades for the control of dental caries. Initially these were used mainly as public health programmes such as daily, weekly or fortnightly mouthrinsing programmes using 0.05% or 0.2% Sodium Fluoride. Over the last 10 years OTC sales of mouthrinses containing fluoride (usually 0.05% NaF) have increased. This is a welcome development since a high proportion of sales are to teenagers and young adult groups which are becoming increasingly prone to dental caries.

Some school-based programmes continue in the Republic of Ireland. Indeed one of the longest running school based programmes in the world is conducted in non- fluoridated areas of Co. Waterford. The programme commenced in the late 60s. Rinsing with a 0.2% solution of NaF is supervised by public health nurses in national schools (2nd to 6th classes). Ongoing monitoring shows that the programme is effective in the control of dental caries. (Holland et al, 1995).

For more information relating to Fluorides click here

Rinses to Control Plaque and Gingivitis

For a number of people toothbrushing does not sufficiently control plaque and gingivitis, hence the use of mouthrinses specifically formulated for this purpose.

The most effective rinses contain chlorhexidine. This type of rinse is generally recommended for people who have acute gum problems. Long term use, more than 3-4 weeks, is not advised because the teeth may develop a brownish stain. Should this happen however, a dentist will be able to remove the stain without too much difficulty. The modes of action and effectiveness of these products are continually being reviewed.

The popular pre-and-post brush rinses, with co-polymer and triclosan and other products do control plaque and improve gum health. In general however, these are not as effective as chlorhexidine but they have the benefit of not staining the teeth.

There has been some concern expressed about the high level of alcohol in some mouthrinses, as high as 25% in some cases. Mouthrinses should be carefully stored out of the reach of children. Indeed, ideally the mouthrinses should have child resistant caps (CRCs).