Commercial often claim mouthwash helps prevent plaque formation as well as to treat certain specific conditions like gum infections, bad breath, ulcers, etc. For most people mouthwashes are not needed. That depends upon your needs. Most rinses are, at the very least, effective oral antiseptics that freshen the mouth and curb bad breath for up to three hours. Rinses are not considered substitutes for regular dental examinations and proper home care.
Dentists stress a regimen of brushing with a fluoride toothpaste followed by flossing, twice a day.
This depends upon your need. Most dentists are skeptical about the value of these antiplaque products, and studies point to only a 20 to 25 percent effectiveness, at best, in reducing the plaque that causes gingivitis. Anticavity rinses with fluoride, however, have been clinically proven to fight up to 50 percent more of the bacteria that cause cavities. Nevertheless, many dentists consider the use of fluoride toothpaste alone to be adequate. These mouthwashes usually contain oils such as Phenol, Thymol, Eugenol, etc.