The Power of Mouthwash - Wash all your oral health care worries away.

As your local dental professional will tell you, there is no substitute for brushing and flossing one's teeth when it comes to keeping those pearly whites looking as nice and healthy as can be. Each and every day, your oral care routine should become as ingrained in you as grabbing that cup of coffee, green tea, or smoothie to start your morning. In other words, brushing and flossing should be something akin to second nature. After all, keeping your mouth in tip-top shape will not only do wonders for your appearance as well as your work and social life; it will also help to prevent painful cavities and other stuff you don't want happening.

However, in addition to the above, there is another fantastic way to improve your smile. Why not supplement your daily oral care habits by adding mouthwash to the mix? Mouthwash or oral rinse as the pros call it, is a VERY hard worker, so don't hesitate to put a bottle of this potent liquid to the test. Your teeth and gums will thank you! When you swish that rinse around you'll be doing some amazing things including freshening up bad breath aka halitosis; reducing those nasty oral health villains plaque and gingivitis, as well as helping to prevent cavities. In fact, a good mouth rinse can even wash away some of the food particles and unsightly debris that your floss and toothbrush may have missed.

Now, here's a pro tip: when you purchase an over-the-counter mouthwash, be sure to seek out products that proudly display the ADA Seal of Acceptance from the American Dental Association. That seal shows that the mouthwash manufacturer has provided relevant data and statistics demonstrating that the rinse is safe to use and actually DOES what it claims to do. Also, and this is important: if you suffer from a dry mouth which is a lack of natural saliva, using a rinse can help. But, do remember to AVOID rinses that have any alcohol content. They can be a bit dehydrating and will sometimes reduce the production of saliva. Opt, instead, for a more natural, alcohol-free rinse. Prior to utilizing ANY mouthwash, talk to your dentist. Ask questions, listen carefully and see what your dental pro recommends. After all, he or she knows your mouth better than just about anyone.

There are two distinct types of mouthwash. The United States Food and Drug Administration regulates oral rinses as being in either the COSMETIC category or THERAPEUTIC. Here's the real deal: Cosmetic rinses are designed to temporarily mask bad breath and allow your mouth to emit a pleasant odor. That's all that they do, though. Cosmetic mouthwashes contain NO ingredients that actively kill bacteria. In other words, there's no chemical or biological application. Therapeutic rinses, on the other hand, provide a host of benefits to the user. These mouthwashes contain ACTIVE INGREDIENTS like chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride, fluoride and essential oils that FIGHT, control and reduce conditions such as halitosis, tooth decay, gingivitis and plaque. That's exactly what you want and need! Certain rinses that contain peroxide also have whitening properties.

Mouthwash that has fluoride in it helps to prevent tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel, thereby protecting your molars from acid emanating from different types of food and beverages. Fluoride has also been known to assist in remineralizing your teeth. Gingivitis is a severe and annoying inflammation of the gums as a direct result of plaque build-up. Plaque, for the uninitiated, contains untold millions of bacteria. Gross, isn't it? Gingivitis can be slowed down or reversed by using certain types of mouthwash. Did you know that, if you're suffering from pain in your oral cavity, relief is available by way of rinses that contain anesthetics like lidocaine? However, these mouthwashes are NOT available over the counter. They have to be prescribed by your dentist.

We all know how to rinse our mouths out, right? It's not rocket science. That having been said, though, look to get the MOST out of your rinse experience by doing it correctly. Don't assume anything. Always follow the directions on the label or work with your dental professional and see what he or she advises. Here are a couple of tips: Mouthwash is usually most effective when you use it AFTER brushing your teeth. Just place a small amount of mouthwash in a cup, imbibe, swish it around for around 20 or 30 seconds and then spit it out. You're done! Try to avoid eating or drinking anything for around a half hour once you've rinsed out your mouth.

In today's health-conscious society, we're all about being a lot more careful as to what we put into our bodies as far as food and drink go. Both physicians and dentists are huge fans of this ever-growing trend because you are what you eat, for the most part. And, as the mouth is the gateway to the body, a bad diet of junk food can, not only improve your chances of gum disease and getting cavities; it can also wreak havoc with your internal digestive system and affect your bones. This is precisely why you may want to look into using a NATURAL MOUTHWASH. There's a wider than you'd expect variety of them out there, so, if you've been thinking about going natural, do some research and see what the perfect fit may be for your needs.

Natural rinses are alcohol-free and they don't have many of the artificial ingredients that turn you off. You know, stuff like parabens, synthetic dyes, triclosan and sodium lauryl sulfate and other synthetic additives Natural mouthwashes allow YOU to be in control of your oral health and choose what YOU wish to put inside your body.

Most natural rinses use ingredients that are better for you like PURE ESSENTIAL OILS, which are distilled liquids that have been extracted from flowers, trees, leaves, shrubs and roots as well as certain botanicals. These wondrous ingredients have more than paid their dues regarding medicinal benefits. Their use goes back eons ago, during the time of the ancient Greeks. Native Americans and the early Colonial settlers also utilized natural herbal remedies taken straight from the land. Many of the natural rinses that you will purchase at your local pharmacy or health shop contain peppermint, cinnamon and lavender. Research shows that this trio of ingredients possesses antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. We can't emphasize enough, however, that it is VITAL for you to talk with your doctor before making any decision about mouthwash or even kinds of toothpaste and floss, for that matter.

So, let's start practicing in front of that bathroom mirror and see how COOL you can look when you're swishing away for better oral health!