All About Mouthwashes and Gargles

Mouthwashes and gargles help keep your mouth clean. They work with brushing and flossing. Let’s learn about them!

What Are Mouthwashes and Gargles?

Mouthwashes clean all parts of your mouth. Gargles clean your throat.

Both help:

• Kill germs
• Make breath fresh
• Keep gums healthy
• Fight plaque

Types You Can Choose

There are two main kinds:

1. Ones That Treat Problems (Therapeutic)

• Have special things to kill bad germs
• Help with gum problems
• Have fluoride to stop tooth decay
• Can fight off viruses like the ones that cause COVID-19

2. Ones That Just Make Breath Fresh (Cosmetic)

• Make your breath smell good
• Don’t kill as many germs
• Don’t last as long

What’s Inside Them?

Look for these good things:

• Chlorhexidine gluconate – Very strong germ killer (need doctor’s note)
• Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) – Kills 99.9% of mouth germs in 30 seconds
• Fluoride – Makes teeth stronger
• Essential oils – From plants, smell nice
• Povidone iodine – Can stop COVID-19 virus in your mouth

Good Things Mouthwashes Do

For Your Teeth and Gums

• Less gingivitis (red, sore gums)
• Less plaque (sticky stuff on teeth)
• Fewer cavities when they have fluoride
• Help for dry mouth with special kinds

For Fighting Germs

• Can lower viruses in your mouth
• Help with sore throats
• Less bad mouth germs

Some people used special gargles during COVID-19 to help stay healthy.

How to Pick the Right One

Choose by what you need:

Special things to think about:

• No alcohol if your mouth is sensitive
• Avoid iodine if you have thyroid problems
• Kids under 6 should not use most kinds

How to Use Them Right

For Mouthwash:

1. Put a small cup amount in your mouth
2. Swish it all around for 30 seconds
3. Spit it out
4. Don’t eat or drink for 30 minutes after

For Gargles:

1. Tip your head back
2. Make the “ahh” sound
3. Let the liquid sit at the back of your throat
4. Do this for 15-30 seconds
5. Spit it out

Big mistakes people make:

• Using too much
• Swallowing it
• Using right after brushing (wait 30 minutes for fluoride ones)

Are There Any Bad Things?

Some people may have:

• Tooth staining (with chlorhexidine)
• Dry mouth (with alcohol)
• Funny taste
• Allergic reactions

Don’t use if you have:

• Open mouth sores
• Very young kids who might swallow
• Just had dental surgery (unless the dentist says it’s OK)

Mouthwashes and COVID-19

Studies show some mouthwashes can help with COVID-19:

• Povidone iodine (0.5-1%) can lower virus in saliva by 60%
• Not a cure but may help stop spread
• Best used with other things like masks and vaccines
• Can use different kinds at different times of day

Learn more about oral care during COVID-19 for important tips.

Make Your Own at Home

You can make simple gargles at home:

Salt Water Gargle

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces warm water
• Mix and gargle

Diluted Povidone Iodine

• 1 part Betadine (10% povidone iodine)
• 20 parts water
• Mix and use as directed

Ask your doctor before making your own if you have health problems.

Questions People Ask

Special Products for Special Needs

• Oral probiotics – Put good germs back in your mouth
• Saliva substitutes – Help with dry mouth
• Pediatric mouth rinses – Safe for kids, taste good
• Denture cleansers – Clean false teeth
• Post-surgical rinses – Gentle after dental work
• Sensitivity relief rinses – For teeth that hurt with hot/cold

If you use night guards or oral appliances, you need special cleaners for them too.[^10]

What Experts Say

The American Dental Association (ADA) says:

• Therapeutic mouthwashes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance are proven to work
• They should be part of good oral care
• They don’t replace brushing and flossing

The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests:

• Simple salt water gargles can help with mild throat problems
• They’re a low-cost option where other things aren’t available

Wrap-Up

Mouthwashes and gargles are helpful tools for a healthy mouth and throat. They:

• Kill germs
• Freshen breath
• Help with gum health
• Can fight viruses

But remember:

1. They work WITH brushing and flossing, not instead of them
2. Pick the right kind for your needs
3. Follow the directions on the bottle
4. See a dentist if you have ongoing mouth problems

Taking care of your mouth helps your whole body stay healthy!