Maintaining good oral hygiene is an essential part of overall health

Along with brushing and flossing, mouthwashing or mouth rinsing should also be a part of your oral care routine. ¹

Mouthwashing helps reach areas that are not easily reachable by a toothbrush.¹

Remember that mouthwashing is not a substitute for daily brushing and flossing.¹

How to choose your mouthwash?

Use cosmetic mouthwashes: if you need temporary relief from bad breath and want to experience a pleasant taste in your mouth.¹

Use therapeutic mouthwashes: if you have oral problems like bad breath, gingivitis, plaque, and tooth decay.¹

• Depending on the formulation, therapeutic mouthwashes can be obtained over the counter or through a prescription.¹
• Use prescription mouthwashes as directed.¹ 

If you are undergoing any dental procedures, remember-

Before Procedure-

• Use Povidone Iodine mouth rinse before any dental procedure as it decontaminates the mouth and reduces the risk of pathogen transmission.³
• If you have viral infections, use 10 mL of 0.5% PVP-I oral wash every 2 to 3 hours up to 4 times per day.³
• Sip and spread Povidone Iodine mouthwash into your mouth for 30 seconds, followed by gargling for 30 seconds in the throat and spit.³

After procedure-

• Do not spit the saliva. Rather, swallow it after minor dental surgeries.⁴
• Apply cold (ice pack) during the first 24 hours of your dental procedure to help reduce inflammation and discomfort.⁴
• Do not try to force open the mouth after the dental procedure.⁴
• Eat a soft diet and  chew on the opposite side for the first few days after any dental treatment.⁴
• Drink plenty of fluids to maintain hydration and avoid hot and irritating foods.⁴ 
• Take medicines regularly according to the dentist's recommendations.⁴
• One day after any dental surgery or minor procedures, for 15 days, use mouthwash, preferably PVP-I, due to its antimicrobial action.⁴
• Maintain proper oral hygiene and brush your teeth as usual.⁴
• Do not smoke or consume alcohol for at least seven days after the procedure.⁴

Source-

1. ADA[Internet]Mouthrinse (Mouthwash). Updated on: December 1, 2021; Cited on October 17, 2023. Available from: https://www.ada.org/en/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/mouthrinse-mouthwash
2. ida[Internet]Mouthwashes. Cited on October 17, 2023. Available from: https://www.ida.org.in/Membership/Details/Mouthwashes                                                                                           
3. Imran E, Khurshid Z, M. Al Qadhi AA. et al. Preprocedural Use of Povidone-Iodine Mouthwash during Dental Procedures in the COVID-19 Pandemic. Eur J Dent:2020;14(suppl S1):S182–S184
4. Alvira-González J, Gay-Escoda C. Compliance of postoperative instruc- Compliance of postoperative instruc- Compliance of postoperative instructions following the surgical extraction of impacted lower third molars: A randomized clinical trial. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2015;20 (2):e224-30