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Do I Need Mouthwash? A Dentist Explains!

Dr Shyam

Dr Shyam Jamalabad  | Answer  |Ask -

Dentist - Answered on Dec 19, 2024

Dr Shyam Jamalabad holds a bachelor’s degree in dental surgery from Government Dental College and Hospital, St George Hospital, Mumbai. He has been practising independently at his clinic in Mumbai since 1983.His patients range from celebrities to slum dwellers.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Dec 19, 2024Hindi
Health

Hi Doctor, I’ve been hearing a lot about mouthwash and floss lately, and I’m confused about whether I really need to use it. I brush regularly 2 times, but sometimes I feel like my breath isn’t as fresh as I’d like it to be. I also want to keep my teeth strong and prevent any issues with bacteria. Can you tell me if mouthwash is necessary even if I’m already brushing and flossing? If yes, which type of mouthwash would be best for someone like me? I’ve heard that it can sometimes cause mouth sores or sensitivity, so I want to make sure it’s safe for me.

Ans: Hello
I'm happy to know you brush and floss regularly. Please continue to do so.
While poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of bad breath, it is definitely not the only cause. Please be informed that it can be caused by various other factors, too.

Here are some of the most common causes of bad breath, also known as HALITOSIS.

Oral Health Issues
1. _Poor oral hygiene_: Infrequent brushing and flossing can lead to the buildup of bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing bad breath.
2. _Gingivitis and gum disease_: Inflammation and infection of the gums can cause bad breath.
3. _Tooth decay and cavities_: Bacteria in the mouth can break down food particles, especially sugars, and release volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) that cause bad breath.

Food and Drinks
1. _Onions and garlic_: These foods contain sulfur compounds that can be released in the mouth and cause bad breath.
2. _Coffee and tobacco_: These substances can dry out the mouth, leading to an increase in bacteria and VSCs.
3. _Spicy or acidic foods_: Foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and spicy dishes can irritate the mouth and cause bad breath.

Medical Conditions
1. _Diabetes_: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to dry mouth, which can contribute to bad breath.
2. _Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)_: Stomach acid can flow up into the mouth, causing bad breath.
3. _Sinus infections and respiratory issues_: Postnasal drip and respiratory infections can cause bad breath.
4. _Kidney disease and liver disease_: These conditions can cause a buildup of toxins in the body, leading to bad breath.

Lifestyle Factors
1. _Smoking and tobacco use_: Tobacco products can dry out the mouth and cause bad breath.
2. _Alcohol consumption_: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dry mouth and bad breath.
3. _Medications_: Certain medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, and decongestants, can cause dry mouth and bad breath.
4. _Hormonal changes_: Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can lead to bad breath.

Other Factors
1. _Dry mouth_: A lack of saliva can contribute to bad breath.
2. _Mouth breathing_: Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose can dry out the mouth and cause bad breath.
3. _Poor digestion_: Undigested food particles in the stomach can be released into the mouth, causing bad breath.


If you're concerned about bad breath, it's essential to consult your dentist so that he can examine your teeth and gums thoroughly to rule out local factors and address any underlying medical conditions.

Mouthwashes definitely help by keeping the oral bacteria under control. At least temporarily. They mask mouth odours and give you a feeling of freshness.
But the root cause of the problem still needs to be identified and suitably treated. Also, please note that mouthwashes are not a substitute for regular brushing and flossing.
Your dentist will guide you on what mouthwash suits you best depending on your lifestyle, oral hygiene and medical history.
Meanwhile, here are some good attributes to look for in a mouthwash:

Active Ingredients
1. _Antibacterial agents_: Chlorhexidine, triclosan, or essential oils (e.g., tea tree oil) to combat bacteria and plaque.
2. _Anti-inflammatory agents_: Ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile to reduce gum inflammation.
3. _Antifungal agents_: Ingredients like domiphen bromide to combat fungal infections.
4. _Fluoride_: To strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay.

Additional Benefits
1. _Anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis properties_: To help prevent the buildup of plaque and reduce the risk of gingivitis.
2. _Bad breath prevention_: Ingredients like chlorine dioxide or zinc to help eliminate volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) that cause bad breath.
3. _Sensitivity relief_: Ingredients like potassium nitrate or strontium chloride to help desensitize nerves and provide relief from tooth sensitivity.
4. _Whitening agents_: Mild abrasives or hydrogen peroxide to help remove surface stains and whiten teeth.

Safety and Comfort
1. _Alcohol-free_: To avoid drying out the mouth and reducing saliva production.
2. _Sugar-free and artificial sweetener-free_: To make the mouthwash suitable for people with dietary restrictions or preferences.
3. _pH balanced_: To ensure the mouthwash doesn't disrupt the natural pH balance of the mouth.
4. _Gentle and non-irritating_: To minimize the risk of mouth irritation, especially for people with sensitive teeth or gums.
DISCLAIMER: The answer provided by rediffGURUS is for informational and general awareness purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment.
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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2024Hindi
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Doctor, I’ve recently noticed that my gums bleed a little when I brush, and they feel a little tender, especially around the back. I did some quick research online, and it sounds like it could be gingivitis, but I’m not really sure. I’ve always been pretty regular with brushing, but I might not be doing it thoroughly, and I don’t always floss. I am 38 and was wondering, is it possible for me to treat or even cure gingivitis by myself at home? Should I just start using a specific mouthwash or change my brushing routine? Or is this something I should see a dentist about right away? I’m hoping it’s something simple I can handle without needing a visit to the dentist.
Ans: Mild gingivitis can be treated and managed at home with good oral hygiene practices and some natural remedies. However, if the condition persists or worsens, it's essential to consult a dentist for professional treatment.

Home Treatment and Prevention:

1. *Brushing and Flossing*: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles.
2. *Saltwater Rinse*: Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater several times a day to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
3. *Antibacterial Mouthwash*: Use a commercial hydrogen peroxide/chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
4. *Dietary Changes*: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and avoid sugary and processed foods.
5. *Vitamin C* plays a significant role in gingival health. So make sure you have fresh citrus fruits (preferably unrefrigerated) on a regular basis. The other option is to take Vitamin C supplements.

When to Consult a Dentist:

1. *Persistent Gingivitis*: If your gingivitis persists despite good oral hygiene practices and home remedies.
2. *Severe Symptoms*: If you experience severe symptoms like bleeding gums, pain, or swelling.
3. *Gum Recession*: If you notice gum recession or exposed roots.
4. *Loose Teeth*: If your teeth become loose or mobile.


Remember, while home treatment and natural remedies can help manage mild gingivitis, regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential to prevent and treat gum disease.

..Read more

Latest Questions
Janak

Janak Patel  |20 Answers  |Ask -

MF, PF Expert - Answered on Mar 11, 2025

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Money
Hello Sir, I am 42 years old IT professional. I have one son of 6 years and in class 1. My wife also works and our combined MF portfolio is of 1.1 cr. We both invest 90k per month in various mutual funds. I have purchased one flat which has 60 lacs of home loan and 58000 emi. I have sold my current flat in 80 lacs. I am in confusion of what to do with this money. Should I part close my home loan, should i invest it in mutual funds or should i go for PMS. I am in no hurry to pre close home loan as I can close the loan in next 6-7 years from our salary and my PPF. My goal is to maximize my returns to create wealth as I want to retire by 50. I have monthly expenses of 75K including my child fees for now. Please suggest. Thank you.
Ans: Hi Shaks,

Your query will resonate with many working professionals.

First and foremost, please check/calculate if you have capital gains arising out of the sale of your current flat. This is important for tax implication and will also help make your decision for utilizing the funds.

Lets assume you have some capital gains from this sale, then you can again have to confirm if the capital gains can be utilized without paying tax on it - this is possible if you have purchased the new flat within the last 1 year. If so, then you can utilize/adjust the capital gains towards payments made for the new flat and save tax on it. If you have purchased the new flat earlier than the last 1 year, then you have 2 options - pay tax on the capital gains and then use the funds as you wish OR invest the capital gains amount in NHAI bonds (locked) for the next 5 years (pay tax only on the interest earned).

Once you have sorted the above, you will know what is the amount in hand to make your decision, so lets dive into it.
You have a loan of 60 Lacs and you can manage the EMI from your salaries. Over the next 6-7 years, your salary will also see an increment of approx 7-8% annually, so I suggest you utilize this excess amount each year to prepay/topup your EMI payments. This will help reduce the loan burden over time. At the time of retirement, your loan outstanding can be paid with available options at that time.
You mentioned PPF as an option - I would suggest you do not utilize PPF amount towards this loan closure. The reason is PPF is a completely tax exempt asset and can be utilized well towards retirement income. Of course depends on how much you have accumulated in PPF.

So lets now consider paying the loan amount with the sale proceeds of the current flat. You have a loan today (assuming interest rate applicable is 8-8.5%), which you can manage and you are keen to continue it till retirement, so also recommend you do so. Keep the sale proceed amount available for investment and wealth creation as there are opportunities that can generate returns at a same rate (conservative options) and higher returns (with a slightly higher risk associated).

As you do not have any major liability which is outstanding or cannot be managed, and also you are investing 90k per month in Mutual funds, you can consider wealth creation options for the sale amount available.
PMS is an option but I feel its risks will out weigh the returns in the time frame you have, unless you have a known and trust-worthy option you want to consider.
As you are looking to retire early, at age 50, you should target to create a corpus that will sustain your retirement life (consider at least 30 years post retirement) and your child's education requirements.
Hence my recommendation would be to invest in Mutual Funds and continue with your PPF until retirement. A well constructed portfolio to create a retirement corpus and your child's education requirements would be required.

You can consult a Certified Financial Planner to help you with this plan. They can guide you with your Investments and Retirement planning and provide options to consider and provide advise on risk management (Insurance requirements).

Thanks & Regards
Janak Patel
Certified Financial Planner.

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |954 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Mar 11, 2025

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