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Antiseptic vs. Antibacterial Mouthwash: What's the Difference?

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Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

Brushing and flossing are dental hygiene staples, but many people also incorporate mouthwash into their routine.  While mouthwash can freshen breath and fight germs,  there are different types available, each with its own strengths. This article dives into the distinction between antiseptic and antibacterial mouthwash, helping you choose the one that best suits your oral health needs.

What is an Antiseptic Mouthwash?

An antiseptic mouthwash is formulated to tackle a wide range of microorganisms, spanning bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It aims to reduce the overall microbial presence in the mouth, thereby aiding in infection prevention and fostering oral wellness. It contains active ingredients that specifically target and kill or inhibit oral bacteria that cause plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath. 

An antiseptic mouthwash might be a suitable option if you are looking for a general oral hygiene product to help maintain healthy gums, prevent plaque buildup, and address gum disease concerns.

What is an Antibacterial Mouthwash?

Antibacterial mouthwash specifically targets bacteria. They work by disrupting bacterial cell growth or inhibiting their activity, thereby reducing the bacterial population in the mouth. An antibacterial mouthwash may reduce bacterial counts and promote healing if you are dealing with an active gum infection, such as gingivitis. 

It's important to note that antibacterial mouthwash should not be used as a substitute for brushing and flossing. While they can be a helpful adjunct to your oral care routine, they won't remove plaque and bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth. If you're considering using an antibacterial mouthwash, talk to your dentist first. They can help you choose the right product for your needs.

Antimicrobial vs. Antiseptic vs. Antibacterial Mouthwash

Brushing and flossing are the cornerstones of good oral hygiene, but mouthwash can be a valuable addition to your routine. However, with terms like "antimicrobial mouthwash", "antiseptic mouthwash", and "antibacterial mouthwash" flying around on labels, it can be confusing to know which mouthwash is right for you.  Let's break down these terms and explore the different types of mouthwashes available to help you make an informed choice.

  • Antimicrobial is the broadest term and refers to anything that kills or inhibits microbes' growth, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites.  Most mouthwashes are considered antimicrobial because they target bacteria in the mouth that can contribute to bad breath, gingivitis, and plaque buildup.

  • An antiseptic is a type of antimicrobial agent specifically designed to be applied to living tissue to reduce the risk of infection. It may target various microbes beyond bacteria, potentially including fungi or viruses (depending on the ingredients). Antiseptic mouthwashes typically contain alcohol as their main ingredient, which can kill bacteria but can also dry the mouth. 

  • As the name suggests, antibacterial agents target bacteria specifically. Antibacterial mouthwashes can kill bacteria and help reduce the overall number of anaerobic bacteria in the oral cavity. These bacteria produce volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath, so reducing their presence in the mouth can significantly improve breath freshness. 

You may consider using an antibacterial toothpaste such as Colgate Total Advanced Health to enhance your dental health and defend your whole mouth against harmful bacteria and infections. It is an antibacterial toothpaste that fights germs for 12 hours on teeth, tongue, cheeks, and gums. Unlike ordinary toothpaste, it has Dual Zinc and Arginine technology, actively seeking out bacteria and forming a protective, anti-germ barrier.

If you have gingivitis or are concerned about gum disease, an antiseptic mouthwash with chlorhexidine gluconate may be helpful, but only use it for a short-term period as directed by a dentist. For most people, a daily antimicrobial mouthwash that is alcohol-free and contains fluoride can be a good choice for freshening breath and reducing plaque buildup. Always consult your dentist to determine the best mouthwash for your needs.

How Do You Choose Mouthwash?

With so many mouthwash options available, how do you choose the one that is right for you? If you feel confused, consulting with a dental professional is helpful for choosing between antiseptic or antibacterial mouthwash. They can help in choosing best mouthwash for bad breath or for specific conditions like gum disease or dry mouth. There are several factors to consider when selecting a mouthwash. Here are some general tips:

1. Purpose: Determine the primary reason you need a mouthwash. Some common purposes include:

  • Freshening breath

  • Reducing plaque and gingivitis

  • Remineralising teeth

  • Reducing sensitivity

2. Active Ingredients: Look for mouthwashes with effective active ingredients based on your purpose. Some common active ingredients and their purposes are:

  • Chlorhexidine: Antiseptic, reduces plaque and gingivitis

  • Essential oils (thymol, menthol, eucalyptol): Antibacterial, freshen breath

  • Fluoride: Remineralizes enamel, prevents cavities

3. Alcohol Content: Many mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can cause dryness and irritation in some individuals. Consider alcohol-free options if you have a dry mouth or prefer to avoid alcohol.

4. Flavours: Choose a mouthwash flavour that you find pleasant, as this can encourage regular use.

It's important to note that mouthwashes should be used as an adjunct to regular brushing and flossing, not as a substitute. Use mouthwashes only as directed by dental professionals and not for extended periods without professional advice.

Tips for Using Any Type of Mouthwash

Mouthwash helps eliminate bacteria and food particles from areas a toothbrush and floss can't reach, freshening breath and reducing gum disease and plaque. It often contains antibacterial agents and sometimes alcohol to enhance its effectiveness, though alcohol-free options are available. The Indian Dental Association recommends following this direction for mouthwash use.

  • Use mouthwash once a day after brushing your teeth with toothpaste.

  • Pour the amount of mouth rinse specified on the bottle.

  • Swish the mouthwash for a recommended amount of time (usually around 30-60 seconds) to ensure it reaches all areas of your mouth.

  • Spit out the mouthwash completely after swishing.

  • Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after rinsing.

Whether you opt for a prescription mouthwash from a dental professional or an over-the-counter product labelled as "antiseptic" or "antibacterial," specific usage guidelines should be followed. To understand how does mouthwash works, it is important to note that it is not intended to substitute brushing and flossing. Continue brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. 

Summing Up Key Differences

Understanding the differences between antibacterial and antiseptic mouthwashes is essential for optimal oral hygiene. Antibacterial mouthwash, specifically targets bacteria, while antiseptic mouthwash combats a broader range of pathogens. Additionally, antimicrobial mouthwash offers comprehensive protection by tackling bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

When evaluating antiseptic mouthwash versus antibacterial mouthwashes, keep these main distinctions in mind:

  • Antiseptic mouthwashes offer comprehensive protection, containing broad-spectrum antimicrobial ingredients effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In contrast, antibacterial mouthwashes specifically target bacteria.

  • Topically applied antiseptic products are employed to reduce the risk of infection, while antibiotics, such as those found in antibacterial mouthwash, address existing infections.

  • Antiseptic mouthwashes are beneficial for addressing gum infections, plaque buildup, and gingivitis and contribute to oral health. Antibacterial mouthwashes, on the other hand, promote overall oral hygiene.

  • Prescription antiseptic mouthwashes may be needed for gum disease. Over-the-counter antibacterial mouthwashes can provide daily oral care.

In summary, while both antiseptic and antibacterial mouthwashes aim to promote oral health, the key difference lies in their target. Antiseptic mouthwashes kill a broad range of microorganisms, making them effective for overall oral hygiene. Antibacterial mouthwashes specifically target bacteria, particularly those causing gum disease. Both can contribute to oral health when used appropriately. Choosing between them depends on your specific oral health needs and the advice of your dental professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it good to use antibacterial mouthwash?

Antibacterial mouthwash can help with plaque and gingivitis but isn't necessary for everyone. If overused, it may disrupt the oral microbiome and mask problems. Proper brushing and flossing suffice for most. Consult a dentist to determine if it's needed for your oral health.

Does mouthwash remove all bacteria?

No, mouthwash, including antimicrobial mouthwash, does not remove all bacteria. While it significantly reduces the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth, it cannot eliminate all bacteria entirely. Regular use can help maintain oral hygiene by controlling bacterial levels, but it should be complemented with brushing and flossing for optimal results.

Which mouthwash kills the most bacteria?

Antimicrobial mouthwashes effectively kill a wide range of bacteria, making them highly potent in reducing oral bacteria levels. However, they are usually recommended for short-term use under dental supervision due to potential side effects like staining and altered taste perception.

How do I remove bacteria from my mouth?

To remove bacteria from your mouth, brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily to clean between teeth, and use a mouthwash. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings further help maintain oral hygiene by reducing bacterial buildup.