HARVARD DENTAL GROUP
1539 W. Harvard Blvd.
Roseburg, OR 97471
541-673-5150
PATIENT EDUCATION
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MOUTH RINSES
Online Dental Education Library
Our team of dental specialists and staff strive to improve the overall health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your teeth and gums. Please use our Patient Education library to learn more about dental problems and treatments available.
You can conveniently search from any page on this website by using either the "Have a question?" box located at the top right of each page or, if you want to see a drop-down list of topics, look for the PATIENT EDUCATION links along the left edge of each web page.
The Food and Drug Administration classifies mouth rinses into two categories - therapeutic and cosmetic. In general, therapeutic rinses with fluoride have been shown to actually fight cavities, plaque and gingivitis.
On the other hand, cosmetic rinses merely treat breath odor, reduce bacteria and/or remove food particles in the mouth. They do nothing to treat or prevent gingivitis.
People who have difficulty brushing (because of physical difficulties such as arthritis) can benefit from a good therapeutic mouth rinse.
Caution: Even rinses that are indicated to treat plaque or cavities are only moderately effective. In fact, regular rinsing with water and use of good quality fluoride toothpaste are just as or more effective.