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An apple a day keeps the doctor away (or so the saying goes) but how do we keep the dentist at bay?
We all know that we need to clean our teeth at least twice a day, but as any dental hygienist will tell you, that there is more to a healthy mouth than this alone.
Mouthwash is important to keep your breath fresh and your mouth clean, but very few popular brands are actually vegan or cruelty free.
They are often alcohol-based, so a natural alternative is something that more and more people are increasingly looking for.
A natural mouthwash will do all of the same jobs, but with a clear conscience, as it does not harm the planet, animals or your mouth.
What are the benefits of mouthwash?
Mouthwash is typically thought of as a breath freshener, but it has far more benefits than this.
Freshness
The freshness comes from the fact that mouthwash kills the bacteria in your mouth that can create bad breath.
Most have some sort of minty fragrance attached to them, to give you an added blast of clean.
Cavity reducing
One of the important benefits of mouthwash is that it can reduce the chances of cavities forming.
It is therefore important to make it a regular part of your dental routine to keep your whole mouth healthy.
Prevents plaque build up
Mouthwash can also help to prevent plaque build-up on your gums, between your teeth or on the surface of them in between brushing.
However, it will not remove plaque that is already there, so keep brushing and flossing too.
When should I use mouthwash?
Have you ever thought about when to use mouthwash?
Typically, we use mouthwash after brushing, but using it before can loosen particles, to make your scrubbing more effective.
What is actually in mouthwash?
The most common types of mouthwash are antibacterial, antiseptic cleansing and aid oral hygiene.
An antibacterial mouthwash contains antibacterial agents that kill bacteria, whilst antiseptic mouthwashes are active against bacteria and other microbes.
It is therefore important to choose the right mouthwash in order to meet your needs.
Which mouthwash should I use?
There are many types of mouthwash on the market, and now vegan mouthwash is also available.
This means there is something to suit everyone, and there is plenty of choice.
Tea tree mouthwash
The Dr Organic Antibacterial Tea Tree Mouthwash draws on the antiseptic benefits of tea tree to reduce bad breath. It uses herbal extracts, grapefruit seed extract, arnica and aloe vera to purify and aid the gums whilst leaving the mouth fresh and clean.
Whitening mouthwash
If you are trying to get those pearly whites even whiter, then the Ecodenta Extra Whitening Mouthwash contains oak charcoal to help protect from plaque and naturally whiten the teeth.
It does not contain alcohol but does use peppermint oil for long-lasting freshness and sodium fluoride to help protect the teeth against cavities.
Mouthwash for sensitive teeth and gums
Sensitivity is a big issue for many people, so the Ben & Anna Mouthwash contains sea buckthorn, sage and aloe vera to maintain durable, strong teeth and healthy gums gently and effectively.
It combines freshness with protection using sage extract, aloe vera and mint essential oil to complement everyday teeth brushing.
Mouthwash tablets
Sometimes the thought of mouthwash is not ideal, especially if travelling, so give the Georganics Mouthwash Tablets a try instead.
They offer premium oral care using activated charcoal and peppermint oil. Just add them to water and wait for them to dissolve before gargling and spitting out after 30 seconds.
Kids’ mouth foam
Dental health is important and starting this at an early age creates a habit that will last a lifetime.