How can daily use mouth rinses help people with gum problems?
Effective and regular removal of plaque deposits is an essential part of the treatment and prevention of gum disease. But tooth brushing and periodic professional scaling – mechanical oral hygien – may not always be enough. This is where antimicrobial mouth rinses can help. They are an adjunct to tooth brushing, helping to make plaque removal more effective and reduce inflammation. Mouth rinses are not a substitute for regular tooth brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, but some have been shown to do a lot more than just freshen breath. How often should mouth rinses be used? Product packs normally advise use twice daily, sloshing the rinse round the mouth for half a minute or a minute – the advice varies from product to product. BDA-accredited products will have demonstrated efficacy at the levels shown on packs and efficacy will be reduced if the product is used less often. Equally, products should not be used more often than packs indicate. Check the label for specific instructions on
