Mouthwash safe, supplements brushing

Customers face choices galore when shopping today for a bottle of mouthwash. And it's not just a matter of deciding between blue and green.

Do you want an antiseptic brand that kills germs or one that just freshens your breath? Alcohol-free or not? And what about a fluoride-rinse chaser?

Or maybe you just avoid all these questions because you've heard bad things about mouthwash.

The good news: Not only do mouthwashes appear to be safe, but they could boost the health of your teeth and gums. However, dental experts point out, they aren't replacements for brushing and flossing.

Before shopping for mouthwash, consider:

1Dentists say they're safe. Over the years, researchers have raised questions about whether mouthwashes that contain alcohol cause oral cancer. But no one has confirmed a cause-and-effect link, said Dr. Maria Emanuel Ryan, a periodontist and professor at Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine. "When you look at it scientifically, it just doesn't hold up."

The same goes for a myth that alcohol-containing mouthwashes cause dry mouth and can make dental health worse, she said. According to Ryan, that's not true.

2Some brands just freshen breath. So-called "cosmetic" mouthwashes, such as Scope, kill some germs and make your breath smell better. Other over-the-counter brands, such as Listerine, do more: They include anti-germ ingredients that aim to also kill the germs that cause plaque and gingivitis. To find them, look for the term "antiseptic" on the bottle.

3Don't like the sting? Try alcohol-free brands. Several brand-name and generic mouthwashes are now available in alcohol-free versions. So why is alcohol in some brands in the first place? "It's there to help disperse the active ingredient and make it more effective," Ryan said, but she cautioned that people with a drinking problem should avoid brands that contain alcohol.

4Don't ignore bad breath. If you frequently suffer from halitosis, don't just cover it with mouthwash. "You need to understand the underlying cause of the bad breath," said Dr. Terry S. Shapiro, a dentist in East Setauket, since it could be a sign of a serious dental or health condition.

5Fluoride rinses may provide added benefit. A fluoride rinse, such as ACT, may be helpful in addition to a mouthwash if you don't drink fluoridated water (which isn't provided in some parts of Long Island) or if you have problems with cavities.

Dentists often recommend that children 6 months to 6 years old take fluoride supplements if their water isn't fluoridated. After age 6, they may be ready to use a fluoride rinse because they should be able to learn not to swallow it.

6Remember the basics. Mouthwash shouldn't replace the toothbrush. Rather, brush and floss -- and rinse when you can. Says Ryan, "When you add mouthwash to brushing and flossing, it substantially helps in reducing levels of plaque and gingivitis."