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Best Life, October 2008
The Best Advisors
Q: What’s the best mouthwash on the market?
The brand I recommend to my patients is Tom's of Maine. This alcohol-free mouthwash is made using natural ingredients, thereby minimizing the harsh effects that result from other popular mouthwashes, many of which contain more than 20 percent ethanol. Ethanol has a drying effect on the soft tissues of the mouth, which makes the gums more susceptible to inflammation, bleeding, and gingivitis. Mouthwashes that are supposed to eliminate bad breath by neutralizing the germs that cause bad breath miss the point. Most bad breath is caused by poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, or defective fillings or crowns.
Steven M. Butensky, DDS
Dr. Butensky is director of aesthetic dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry.