Mouthwash

A mouthwash (also referred to as a mouthwash ) is an antiseptic fluid, which is used for prophylaxis of the oral cavity.

History

For the background to see the history of dental care.

For the first time the mouthwash in 1892 by Karl August Lingner was developed in Dresden, a short time after bacterial pathogens have been identified as triggers for dental disease. His mouth water was sold under the brand name Odol under which it is still available today. With its modern sales strategies Lingner was so successful that his product for a long time almost unrivaled dominated the market.

Composition

The composition of the mouthwashes is quite different. Ingredients are about propanediol, ethanol, water, flavorings, essential oils, salicylic acid, sorbitan esters, sodium saccharin, aloe vera, mint, sage or chamomile. Some medical mouthwashes contain chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride for periodontitis and gingivitis / treatment. Fluorides are frequently included for curing of the enamel.

Many mouthwashes contain alcohol for disinfection and preservation, or as a " solubilizer " to combine the essential oils also contained with water to form a solution. The alcohol content is up to 30%.

Application

With concentrated mouthwashes the consumer produces itself a solution by the concentrate is mixed with water according to manufacturer's instructions. In undiluted mouthwash the cap of the bottle serves as a dosing vessel. The mouthwash of oral and pharyngeal cavity is flushed vigorously. Characterized also in areas of the mouth will be attained which are not accessible to the toothbrush. Alternatively, this can also be done in the form of a spray. On the packaging of most products there is a hint that discourages a swallowing the mouthwash.

Legal framework

According to a judgment of the European Court mouthwash are treated as drugs and must be prepared by the relevant pharmaceutical standards.