Mouthwash when wearing metal braces

evenasus

When wearing metal braces, is there any reason a mouthwash containing alcohol should not be used?
Mouthwashes such as Elduril and Oraldine.

lindens

When my SD had braces she was always told to choose the non-alcohol mouth washes

evenasus

lindens wrote: »

When my SD had braces she was always told to choose the non-alcohol mouth washes

Which is what my grandson's orthodontist told him.
I just wondered what the reason could be.

DigForVictory

Something along the lines of:
the alcohol can cause harm to the soft tissues in the mouth. Alcohol is a drying agent which can cause the amount of saliva produced to be reduced or even stop leading to dry mouth. Since we need saliva to flush out bacteria & stay fresh, then decreased saliva production can cause bad breath and cavities.

Whereas non-alcohol based mouthwash can have fluoride & generally be safer for fillings & 'restorations' - as apparently studies show that alcohol-free mouthwash is more beneficial for the gloss, colour, hardness, and wear.

Colgate & Listerine both do anti-cavity fluoride mouthwashes. Best of luck with the future smile!

brook2jack

98% of mouthwashes are classed as cosmetic , that is they have no proven clinical benefit at all. Not only that but if you use mouthwash within 2 hours of toothpaste they interact with each other and the beneficial fluoride is washed away.

In other words , unless you are prescribed a mouthwash by the dentist there is no benefit and possibly harm done by using it.

Some orthodontists prescribe a high fluoride mouthwash to be used in between brushing, but the majority advise thorough cleaning using special brushes to get around the brackets and a sensible approach to number of times a day sugary foods and drinks are consumed.

evenasus

brook2jack wrote: »

98% of mouthwashes are classed as cosmetic , that is they have no proven clinical benefit at all.

Which is why I asked about Oraldene and Elduril. These are for using if you have any mouth problems. Not to be used as an everyday mouthwash.

brook2jack

The only effective mouthwashes, which should be used for short term use only , contain chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine should only be used short term on a dentists advice as there is evidence that bacteria can develop resistance to it , and there are growing numbers of people who have developed allergies to it , including some who have had fatal reactions.

Oraladene contains only flavourings , artificial sweeteners and little else.
Eludril contains some chlorhexidine.

There is no need or use for most people to use a non prescribed mouthwash.