Mouthwashes are aqueous solutions, often in concentrated form, containing one or more active ingredients and excipients. Mouthwash is used to enhance oral hygiene. It can be used therapeutically for reducing plaque, gingivitis, dental caries and stomatitis or cosmetically for reducing bad breath through the use of antimicrobial and flavoring agents. Flavors are used in conjunction with alcohol and humectants to overcome obnoxious odor and taste. Commonly employed flavoring agents are peppermint oil, spearmint oil, cinnamon oil, wintergreen oil, menthol and methyl salicylate. Mouthwashes have a pleasant taste and odor. In general, they are dispensed in white fluted bottles. The label should clearly indicate the proper directions for diluting the mouthwash before use, along with the auxiliary labeling, “For external use only” and “Not to be swallowed in large quantities.”
Example
Compound sodium chloride mouthwash BPC
| Sodium chloride | 15 g | |
| Sodium bicarbonate | 10 g | |
| Peppermint water (q.s.) | 1000 ml |
Sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride are dissolved in sufficient quantity of peppermint water. The volume is made up with the remaining peppermint water.
Other examples of mouthwashes are as follows:
- Phenol and a alkaline mouthwash
- Potassium chlorate and phenol mouthwash
- Thymol glycerin mouthwash
- Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash
- Buffered sodium perborate mouthwash
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