Did you know that your mouth can host 200-300 different bacterial species at any given time?
When looking to improve your brushing routine, your choice of mouthwash can make a significant difference in your oral health. Using an antimicrobial mouthwash twice a day is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health and hygiene.
It can be easy to confuse antimicrobials and antibiotics, especially if you are concerned about safety or daily use of an antimicrobial mouthwash. So, let’s dig into what distinguishes the two.
Antibiotics vs. Antimicrobials: Key Differences Explained
Antimicrobials and antibiotics are both used to combat microorganisms; however, they have distinct differences in their application as well as their mechanism of action.
Knowing these differences can help you make informed choices for your daily oral hygiene routine.
While antibiotics can be successful at killing off bacteria, they are typically not as broadly effective across bacteria species.
Often, antibiotics require a prescription, whereas antimicrobial mouthwash is sold over the counter at your local pharmacy, grocery store, etc.
With prolonged use, using an antibiotic can lead to antibiotic resistance, which means the bacteria, fungi, or viruses no longer respond to treatment.
Finally, antibiotics are often meant to be ingested, while antimicrobials are not meant to be swallowed.
Now that we know the difference, why is it important to use an antimicrobial mouthwash?
Benefits of Using an Antimicrobial Mouthwash
Antimicrobials have non-specific activity, which makes it difficult for bacteria to become resistant. Specifically, the fixed combination of essential oils in LISTERINE® Antiseptic Mouthwash for Bad Breath & Plaque are among the antimicrobials that disrupt bacteria in the mouth. These oils include eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, and thymol. This unique combination allows LISTERINE® Antiseptic to penetrate plaque and kill bacteria within the 30 seconds it takes you to swish, providing up to 24 hours of protection against germs that cause bad breath, plaque, and gum disease. LISTERINE®’s effectiveness is also backed by extensive scientific research, earning the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, further validating its efficacy in fighting plaque and gingivitis.
By incorporating LISTERINE® Mouthwash into your daily oral care routine, you're not just freshening your breath – you're taking a proactive step towards comprehensive oral health, specifically helping to prevent gum disease and plaque buildup. The powerful antimicrobial properties of LISTERINE® offer advantages that surpass what brushing and flossing can accomplish alone, making it a vital part of your daily dental care routine.
Learn more about the power of antimicrobial mouthwash here.
Find out how to make the most of your dental benefits here.
Aetna Dental® members save an additional 20% on select CVS Health® oral health products, including sale items and LISTERINE® products. You can shop for electric toothbrushes, whitening kits and much more. Simply use code AETNA20 at checkout here.
