My Fixed Bridge Makes My Life Easier

When I had a badly decayed tooth extracted, I got a partial denture to fill in the gap. I didn't mind it at first, because I was just so happy to have my painful tooth out of my mouth. Over time, I began to get tired of taking it out at night. I asked my dentist if I was could get a dental implant, and he said that my gum disease did not make me a good candidate, but a fixed bridge may be a good option for me. I went with his suggestion, and I have no regrets. I love feeling like I have a real tooth again that I don't have to remove at night. I created this blog to remind other people with a missing tooth that they have many replacement options, and if one is not for you, then try another that may be right.

Choosing The Best Mouthwash

Dentist Blog

Second only to your toothpaste, the choices of mouthwashes can be overwhelming. Among the flavors, colors and proclamations on the package, which ones are best for you? Here are some tips to help you navigate through the mouthwash aisle at your drug store.

Two Types - Different Purposes

You can group mouthwashes into two categories:

  • Cosmetic - These contain ingredients focused on making your breath smell good temporarily, but do nothing for your dental health.
  • Therapeutic - These mouthwashes focus on the reduction of bacteria and prevention of plaque and cavities.

In the second category, you'll find two kinds of mouthwash:

  • Anti-cavity - These mouthwashes contain fluoride to prevent tooth decay.
  • Anti-plaque - These prevent the buildup of plaque on your teeth which can harden into tartar and cause gum disease.

If Cavities Are a Problem, Choose a Mouthwash With Fluoride

The drinking water from your home faucet and your toothpaste likely have fluoride in them. If you're prone to cavities and your dentist has told you that your tooth enamel is weak, the extra fluoride in a mouthwash can help. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel, making it more difficult for bacteria to create cavities.

If you drink non-fluoridated bottled water, this mouthwash will supplement your toothpaste to keep your enamel healthy.

If Tartar and Plaque Are a Consistent Problem, Use a Tartar-Control Mouthwash

Plaque is a soft, brownish material on the teeth resulting from bacteria in the mouth. If the plaque is not removed by brushing, the plaque can harden into tartar. This must be scraped off of your teeth by your dentist. When tartar appears on your teeth below the gum line, your gums can become irritated and bleed.

The anti-plaque mouthwashes help prevent this buildup of plaque before it can turn into tartar.

These mouthwashes often do not contain fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral which, when combined with the ingredients in the anti-plaque mouthwash, can irritate your gums.

Other Mouthwash Additives

Some mouthwashes advertise being antiseptic as well as anti-microbial. Anti-microbial, or anti-bacterial, mouthwashes kill bacteria in the mouth. Antiseptic mouthwashes kill bacteria along with fungi, protozoa, and some viruses. For example, canker sores in the mouth respond to an antiseptic mouthwash. The downside is that many of the antiseptic rinses contain alcohol, which some people find irritating.

The other ingredients tend to be colors and flavors to make the product more appealing. These have some importance because they keep you using the product. First identify the kind of mouthwash that fits your dental health needs, then choose the product that is pleasant to use daily.

For more information, contact Accent On Dentistry - Rowena R Martir DMD or a similar location.

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22 May 2015