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.