Millions of people use mouthwash as a part of their morning routine. After scrubbing their teeth clean with a toothbrush, they brush their breath with mouthwash. Ads tout mouthwash as both refreshing and good for teeth and gums.

But can taking a swig of breath-freshening mouthwash really rinse away oral health problems? Experts say the answer depends.

There are two major types of mouthwashes available over the counter at pharmacies and other stores: cosmetic mouthwash and therapeutic mouthwash. Each type of rinse offers its own benefits:

• Cosmetic mouthwashes are intended to mask bad breath (medically known as halitosis) and remove debris from your teeth and gums. Some mouthwashes contain whiteners to help whiten the teeth. Whitening teeth improves their appearance, but it is purely cosmetic and does not provide added protection against tooth decay.
  
  
• Therapeutic mouthwashes include any rinse formulated to help prevent or treat an oral health problem. For example, anti-plaque rinses are designed to treat and prevent excessive buildup of dental plaque while anti-gingivitis rinses are intended to help prevent gum disease. Fluoride rinses also are available to help strengthen teeth and protect them from decay. Cosmetic mouthwashes that contain these ingredients designed to treat such oral health conditions also double as therapeutic rinses.