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Mouthwashes
We offer thorough check-ups and analysis of the bacteria in your saliva for determining decay and periodontal risk.
Tooth decay and gum disease is caused by specific species of bacteria. These bacteria can be detected in your saliva through microscopic and DNA analyses. We can also test these bacteria for antibiotic resistance so that if antibiotics are appropriate for your therapy we can pick the most effective one and minimize your dosage.
Preventive dentistry is based upon sound diagnosis.
The species of bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease are different. Mechanical cleaning of your teeth with regular dental cleanings, flossing and brushing will help get rid of all the species of bacteria. Chemotherapy with mouthwashes, however, is specific to the species of bacteria we want to primarily eliminate. There are two types of mouthwashes: 1) those that are directed towards eliminating the bacteria associated with cavities and 2) those that are directed towards eliminating the bacteria associated with gum disease. These mouthwashes should be used twice a day, everyday, after flossing and brushing.
Any over the counter mouthwash with Fluoride is effective in reducing cavities. Some brand names include Act or Fluorigard but generic Fluoride mouthwashes will work as well. We typically recommend Fluoride mouthwashes for children under age 18 and adults who are experiencing a lot of new cavities.
There are only two mouthwashes, however, which have been scientifically proven to reduce the bacteria associated with gum disease: Peridex and Listerine. Peridex is an expensive ($18/bottle) prescription mouthwash that is significantly more effective than Listerine but has side effects, most notably tooth stains develop which can be removed by dental cleanings. We recommend Peridex for patients who have more advanced gum problems. Listerine (or Listerine Mint Flavor, or generic equivalents of Listerine) is the only other mouthwash on the market which is effective in fighting gum disease and is the product we recommend for most adults who are not experiencing a lot of new cavities. Other mouthwashes, e.g. Plax, Scope or generics, have not been shown to be clinically effective.
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