Mouthwash

Adding an appropriate mouthwash to your dental hygiene routine can be a simple and effective way to improve your overall dental health. Mouthwash helps reduce plaque, control bad breath, and prevents tooth decay and gum disease. There are many types and brands of mouthwash available over-the-counter to choose from, and some are even prescribed. With all the choices out there, how do you possibly choose one?

It’s important to note that while many of the mouthwashes you find on the shelf at your local drugstore may be advertised for cosmetic purposes, some of them actually contain bacteria fighting substances like fluoride and peroxide. However, if your dentist has told you that you are at risk for tooth decay or gum disease, you will want to use a prescribed mouthwash with stronger bacteria fighting substances.

Benefits of Using Mouthwash

There are two categories that mouthwashes fall into: cosmetic, which temporarily combat bad breath and contain fluoride or peroxide to help manage bacteria, and therapeutic, which contain stronger substances that control or reduce bad breath, gingivitis, plaque, and tooth decay.

Cosmetic mouthwash usually contains fluoride and sometimes peroxide. In liquid form, the rinse can reach all around your teeth, even the nooks and crannies your toothbrush can’t reach. It has been proven that fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, in turn protecting against decay. Fluoride can even reduce miniscule lesions on teeth where a cavity might develop.

Therapeutic mouthwash contains ingredients to control and reduce plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance full of bacteria that sits on the surface of your teeth and other parts of your mouth. Studies have shown that therapeutic mouthwash decreases plaque more significantly than brushing and flossing alone.

Active ingredients in a therapeutic mouthwash may include:

  • Cetylpyridinium chloride to prevent the development of bacteria that cause gum disease
  • Chlorhexidine to treat gingivitis by reducing inflammation, swelling, and bleeding of the gums
  • Essential oils to help prevent cavities by reducing bacteria deep in the gums
  • Fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, allowing it to be more resistant to tooth decay
  • Peroxide to penetrate the surface layer of a tooth in order to remove unsightly stains

Which mouthwash is right for me?

When perusing the mouthwash aisle at your local drugstore, be sure to look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal on the label. This means that the product has not only been evaluated, but proven effective by renowned dental experts. With prescription mouthwash, you must follow your dentist’s directions carefully. Mouthwash benefits most people, but it should not be used for children under six years of age, as they may accidentally swallow the liquid.

Our Location

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am-3:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:00 am-3:00 pm

Thursday:

7:00 am-3:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

    Very friendly and Helpful

    I recently moved here from Green Bay where I had the same dentist for many years. He set the standard high for tooth care. We searched around this area and talked to patients from several dental offices to see what they had to say. The comments about Dr. Jamie at Two Rivers Family Dental were very good so we decided to give them a try. I came in with necessary dental work needing to be done and the normal amount of anxiety with it. I am happy to say we, "nailed it" with our choice. Dr. Jamie and her assistant Laurie could not be more thorough, personal and educational as she proceeds which helps me relax (somewhat-along with a little laughing gas)! The office from the minute you walk in till you leave is very friendly and helpful if I have any questions. She met the standard we were used to and I recommend her to everyone!!

    Sharon B. November 19th 2020

    Emergency Care

    I had an emergency for my tooth today. Two Rivers Family Dental got me in right away and the staff was fantastic!! Made me feel very comfortable! Thank you Dr. Hansen.

    Katie R. August 17th 2017

    "I can smile again"

    My teeth were in terrible shape and plus I did have one broken off ….I did not want to smile at all ….after Dr. Hansen finished fixing my teeth I can smile again... thank You Dr. Hansen and all your staff for helping me smile again.

    Joyce M. December 19th 2018

    Julie Knows Insurance

    Great dental hygienist in Tracy and fine dental work done by Dr. Hansen. Julie knows insurance better than anyone!

    Barb W. April 25th 2018

    Kind and Respectful

    I had recently got a check up and I needed a filing. They were kind and displayed the up most respectful manner in making my dental experience a positive one. I will continue to be a patient of The Two Rivers Family Dental.

    Rebecca M. Febuary 6th 2018