We asked the professionals about the need to use mouthwash as part of our daily oral hygiene routine. The response was unanimous. All agreed that using a mouthwash is important for achieving a healthy mouth. 

“Mouthwashes are a complement that I recommend using after toothbrushing” 
Almudena Rodríguez Abascal (Hygienist, Madrid) 

“Dental hygiene is based on the use of a toothbrush, dental floss and interproximal brushes. Mouthwashes are a complement that I recommend using after toothbrushing. The choice of mouthwash will depend on what teeth and gums need. So, for example, for patients with sensitivity, I recommend using mouthwashes that contain potassium nitrate; for periodontal patients, ones that contain Chlorhexidine; for patients who have braces, ones that contain Sodium Fluoride, Provitamin B5, Vitamin E; and for patients with problems of dental decalcification, mouthwashes with a high fluoride content”. 

“When patients have sensitivity, we recommend they use mouthwashes with a high concentration of fluoride and desensitising mouthrinses” 
Cristina Sampedro Canals (Hygienist, Palma de Mallorca) 

“In our practice, we recommend daily-use fluoride mouthwashes to all patients in general - children and adults. For patients who have braces, it is advisable to use mouthwashes that are specifically for braces that also contain fluoride. If they have mild gingivitis, the best mouthwashes contain Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC) + Provitamin B5 or Chlorhexidine (0.05%). If the gingivitis is more advanced, we recommend a strong treatment with 0.12% Chlorhexidine. Lastly, when patients have sensitivity, we recommend they use mouthwashes with a high concentration of fluoride and desensitising mouthrinses”. 

“Mouthwashes should be recommended when plaque control is poor” 
Manuel Lupion Redondo (Dentist, Almería) 

“Mouthwashes should be recommended when a patient’s plaque control is poor, whether there be gingivitis, periodontitis or a problem related to tooth structure. We should remember that mouthwashes are a compliment to oral hygiene and that together with a proper brushing technique, they can provide added success and bring oral health to our patients”. 

“We must maximize oral hygiene habits to improve our quality of life” 
Amparo Marqués Falcó (Hygienist, Valencia) 

“Everyone wants to have an attractive, healthy and white smile. This is a task that takes work and dedication that cannot be neglected over the years. Our mouth is the entryway for many infections; it is a place where bacteria find the ideal temperature, humidity and nutrients to grow, causing the manifestation of different pathologies. This is why we professionals put so much stress on the fact that good hygiene is not achieved with toothbrushing alone, but rather that the use of dental floss, tongue cleaners and interproximal brushes is also important. The daily use of mouthwashes plays a key role, since they help keep the mouth aseptic, strengthen gums, protect teeth and help in the formation of saliva, reduce sensitivity and keep mouths feeling and smelling fresh”.