Self-Care Strategies

Mouthrinses

Inquiring about mouthrinse use can be an important assessment component. Some mouthrinses have an acidic pH and can dissolve the smear layer. Consequently, use of these products could present a risk factor for hypersensitivity, particularly for those with gingival recession and loss of tooth structure.63 It has been suggested that mouthwash use followed by brushing would enhance dissolution of the smear layer, exposing dentinal tubules.64

Mouthrinses have been suggested as a vehicle for applying a desensitizing agent. A reduction in sensitivity has been demonstrated using a combined sequential rinse of chlorhexidine (0.12%) followed by a sodium fluoride (0.2%) rinse.65 Additionally, a 3% potassium nitrate/0.2% sodium fluoride mouthrinse appears to have a therapeutic effectiveness in alleviating dentin hypersensitivity.65 Further studies are recommended to determine the prolonged effect of these combined mouthrinse therapies.