The Mouthwash Variety Show
Humans live longer in general and we have need of maintaining good health in our bodies to remain active. An entire culture of health related products inundates our society everyday to sooth our fears of parts wearing out too early. Our mouths and teeth are especially dear to us for eating, talking and leading a normal active life at any age. The health trend is seen fully in mouthwash products now designed specifically for dental health.
Mouthwash is now a hygienic product versus an attitude correction item. The rise of modern dental care and the obvious benefits to keeping your teeth healthy and in your mouth for life created a large need for dental hygiene products. Brushing in essentially cleaning your teeth and using a rinse to cleanse the entire mouth just followed.
One of the first commercial marketing ideas for mouthwash was to eliminate the stench associated with bad breath. Playing on the attitude of attractiveness to the opposite sex, the advertisements were designed to show gorgeous girls and handsome guys with perfect teeth and “minty fresh” breath. After using the product, the social aspects of the relationship inevitably became more personal and usually centered around kissing.
Mouthrinses are essentially the same in nature as a mouthwash, but have different marketing and targets with consumers. Both products are essentially accurately described as rinses or washes for the actions they produce in the mouth. Neither product is designed for swallowing in any case and could prove harmful if it was.
Mouthwash comes in many flavors and colors to please the sensitivities of the public. The basically antiseptic taste of mouthwash is not attractive to most people and the first attempts to cover it up with mint often proved to be overpowering. Mint however is the leading flavor now after years of balancing research to make it a light and fresh flavor.
The marketing of mouthrinses versus mouthwash products is radically different. Mouthwash usually concentrates on the social aspects of life and attractiveness to others. The elimination of bad breath is portrayed to be the ultimate aid in social or business situations. Your bad breath will break the deal while the minty fresh smell will make success.
Mouthwash is popular in most of the world and very often seen in business circles where face to face meetings are essential to doing business. No executive or salesman wants to see a look of displeasure on the face on the other side of a handshake due to bad breath.
Alcohol in mouthwash dries out the mouth a little but does reduce the amount of bacteria for a while. For some conditions the drying effects are not desirable and may increase pain or difficulties. Some products being developed and marketed to day are searching for adequate replacements for alcohol as a breath freshener. Almost any cleansing agent has been considered for effectiveness and taste but some standards such as baking soda are leading the pack so far.
