Mouthwash 1 article

Mouthwash includes therapeutic and cosmetic rinses used as adjuncts to mechanical oral hygiene for selected indications. Fluoride rinses, chlorhexidine and essential-oil formulations differ in purpose, duration of use and adverse effects such as staining or taste disturbance, while alcohol content and dry-mouth symptoms may affect product choice. A rinse cannot compensate for ineffective plaque removal or untreated disease. Ingredient, indication, duration and limitation all matter more than the generic label 'mouthwash', which covers products with very different purposes.