Use of Brushes, Rinses, and Cooling Solutions in Oral Care

Eveline van der Sluijs, RDH, MSc, PhD(c)/Fridus A. van der Weijden, DDS, PhD/Dagmar Else Slot, RDH, PhD: Oral hygiene is key to oral health, and mechanical methods of oral hygiene are considered the gold standard method for plaque control. An individual’s motivation and manual skills contribute to optimal oral hygiene self-care. But certain oral hygiene recommendations, such as to prerinse with water and to start tooth brushing from the lingual aspect first, do not receive scientific support. Evidence suggests that in addition to tooth brushing, gingivitis can be further reduced with use of a mouthwash containing either chlorhexidine or essential oils, and mouthwashes with active ingredients can also be used as a cooling solution during nonsurgical therapy in conjunction with ultrasonic devices. However, plain tap water was shown to be a sufficiently effective cooling solution by itself. There is also evidence that drinking or rinsing with water could positively affect morning bad breath. A regimen of tooth brushing with tongue cleaning and rinsing can be beneficial for improving oral malodor.