How Do I Choose the Best Oral Antiseptic?

To choose the best oral antiseptic, select one that kills bacteria that cause bad breath and gum disease. Choose an oral antiseptic mouth rinse that is pleasant tasting, or you may find yourself not using it on a daily basis. For added protection, choose an oral antiseptic that fights plaque. For children, look for special formulas created for children, which are safer than those made for an adult.

If you choose a mouthwash with ingredients that combat plaque, bad breath, and gingivitis, be certain that the oral antiseptic is also gentle. This is especially important if you have gum or tooth sensitivity. If so, look for an oral antiseptic that is safe for sensitive teeth, otherwise your mouthwash may contain harsh acids.

A mouth rinse that is high in acid content may cause irritation or pain. Also, if you are using an oral antiseptic that contains high acid levels, you could be risking erosion of tooth enamel. Read the label on your antiseptic mouthwash and choose one that is pH balanced.

If you are still uncertain of which antiseptic mouthwash may be the best for you, check with your dentist or hygienist. He can recommend which type of rinse is most beneficial for your individual needs. If you are experiencing bad breath caused by certain foods and your teeth and gums are healthy, you may not need anything more than a gentle rinse that neutralizes mouth odor.

You might want to avoid using a mouth rinse that contains alcohol. If you're taking certain medications that cause dry mouth such as oral decongestants, you should avoid using a mouthwash with alcohol-based ingredients, as the alcohol may intensify the dry mouth. Since many mouthwash products do contain alcohol, you'll need to read labels.

You may prefer an oral antiseptic that contains fluoride. This is important if your water is filtered or you tend to get cavities. Keep in mind, however, that you might have to compromise germ-fighting ingredients for fluoride. Rarely will you find a mouthwash that contains antibacterial ingredients as well as fluoride, as the two ingredients do not mix well.

Finally, compare prices of name brand oral antiseptics with generic products. Often, you will find the identical ingredients in the off-brand products as in the name-brand items, at a significant reduction in price. Again, the key is to read the labels carefully and do comparison shopping.