Mouthwash vs no Mouthwash

[oldperson]

I got my braces about 2 weeks ago to fix my two impacted canines (expecting to have them on for 2-3 years), I've been brushing twice a day then flossing once a day. Although I've been wondering should I also be using mouthwash to clean anything left by the brushing/flossing? If so should I use one that contains alcohol or not? Anyway help would be appreciated, Thanks

[bez]

I've been using listerine regular 2-3 times a day. It has alcohol but I've never had problems with mouth dryness so I don't mind. I think it's because my mouth is used to greater concentration of alcohol from other sources . Also, if you can, get a waterpik.

[jaime]

If you opt for alcohol-free, make sure the mouthwash doesn't contain Cetyl Pyridinium Chloride which is infamous for staining teeth brown. I learned my lesson the hard way using Crest Pro-health. The brown stains can be removed with a dental cleaning but still, it's not worth it. My teeth looked pretty awful until I got in for a cleaning.

[verso]

I think it's because my mouth is used to greater concentration of alcohol from other sources .

haha I hear that! cheers!

[sirwired]

Really, the best way to get rid of stubborn gookus is a WaterPik. It's a bit messy until you get the hang of it, but it's very effective.

[Braces47]

If you opt for alcohol-free, make sure the mouthwash doesn't contain Cetyl Pyridinium Chloride which is infamous for staining teeth brown. I learned my lesson the hard way using Crest Pro-health. The brown stains can be removed with a dental cleaning but still, it's not worth it. My teeth looked pretty awful until I got in for a cleaning.

I've been using ACT for Braces for the past month and my teeth don't seem to be as white. I just checked the ingredients and it has Cetylpyridinium Chloride in it. Did your teeth actually turn brown or were they just not as white as before?

[jaime]

If you opt for alcohol-free, make sure the mouthwash doesn't contain Cetyl Pyridinium Chloride which is infamous for staining teeth brown. I learned my lesson the hard way using Crest Pro-health. The brown stains can be removed with a dental cleaning but still, it's not worth it. My teeth looked pretty awful until I got in for a cleaning.

I've been using ACT for Braces for the past month and my teeth don't seem to be as white. I just checked the ingredients and it has Cetylpyridinium Chloride in it. Did your teeth actually turn brown or were they just not as white as before?

They didn't turn completely brown, but they looked very stained and dingy, especially in the nooks and crannies.

[JCloNY]

I second the WaterPik. The GREATEST invention for cleaning braces at home. My hygienist today recommended Listerine Total Care so I'm switching to that today.

[sirwired]

The CPC in ACT totally stained my teeth. (They were NASTY; when some brackets got pulled for a repo, it looked like I had the mouth of a chain-smoker.) I switched over to Rx toothpaste for my fluoride needs.

[littlething]

My ortho recommended using mouthwash, and gave me a sample of ACT for Braces in my goodie bag when I got braced. I've been using that since. It's alcohol-free and has aloe in it so it doesn't sting when you have mouth sores (they also gave me a sample of Rincinol for sores). I can't seem to find it in stores though, so I order on Amazon.

And DEFINITELY invest in a Waterpik. Don't know how I'd survive without mine!!!

[RoyalReign24]

Sometimes I use Colgate Total mouthwash and other times I just use saltwater. Also, sometimes I put the mouthwash or saltwater in my waterpik and use it that way.

[laulafayette]

I just had my braces 4 days ago. I also had a tooth extraction and I was told not to gargle for a day so as not to trigger bleeding. So I started using mouthwash again two days ago but since then the braces felt sharper than before and my mouth is very sensitive and feeling dry. I'm not sure if I could recommend it. It might vary from person to person.

[SingleJawMelb]

Unless your mouthwash has fluoride in it, it's useless.

Most people's routine consists of bushing teeth and than using mouth wash. You aren't supposed to rinse your mouth after brushing as you have brushed away all the toothpaste/fluoride.

WaterPiks are great. After a while with braces you will learn how to rinse your mouth whilst drinking. I use the WaterPik after brushing my teeth to remove any particles, and brush my teeth again for 30 seconds to get a bit of toothpaste on them.

I think fluoride mouthwash is a waste of time but anything to lesson the white spots is a bonus.

[sirwired]

Unless your mouthwash has fluoride in it, it's useless.

Most people's routine consists of bushing teeth and than using mouth wash. You aren't supposed to rinse your mouth after brushing as you have brushed away all the toothpaste/fluoride.

There are several effective mouthwashes beyond the fluoridated ones. Listerine (and it's generic clones) and mouthwashes containing Cetyl-Pyrindium Chloride are both known to be useful and effective. (Though CPC 'washes are not recommended for braces wearers due to staining though, and Listerine might smart a bit against irritation.)

The limitations on rinsing refer to specific fluoride treatments (rinses, gels, etc.), not ordinary fluoride toothpaste. Most people rinse after brushing, and this is an expected thing to do. (Personally, I don't, but everybody is different.)

[SingleJawMelb]

Unless your mouthwash has fluoride in it, it's useless.

Most people's routine consists of bushing teeth and than using mouth wash. You aren't supposed to rinse your mouth after brushing as you have brushed away all the toothpaste/fluoride.

There are several effective mouthwashes beyond the fluoridated ones. Listerine (and it's generic clones) and mouthwashes containing Cetyl-Pyrindium Chloride are both known to be useful and effective. (Though CPC 'washes are not recommended for braces wearers due to staining though, and Listerine might smart a bit against irritation.)

The limitations on rinsing refer to specific fluoride treatments (rinses, gels, etc.), not ordinary fluoride toothpaste. Most people rinse after brushing, and this is an expected thing to do. (Personally, I don't, but everybody is different.)

So you are saying toothpaste can be rinsed away?

Listerine tastes awful and dries (my) mouth further. Better products IMO.