Oral Care Products are intended to cleanse the oral cavity, freshen the breath, and maintain good oral hygiene. Some products also include ingredients to protect against the formation of cavities.
Mouthwashes are used for cleaning and freshening the mouth and for oral hygiene. Antiseptic and anti-plaque mouth rinses kill germs that cause plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath. Anti-cavity mouth rinse uses fluoride to protect against tooth decay. Products that prevent the formation of cavities and that kill the germs that cause bad breath are regulated as Over-The-Counter drug products by the Food and Drug Administration.
Toothpastes are pastes, powders, liquids, or other preparations intended for cleaning the teeth. If the product is also intended to prevent the formation of cavities (carries), then it is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration as an Over-The-Counter (OTC) drug. Toothpaste is recommended by dentists to be used in conjunction with a toothbrush to help remove food debris and dental plaque.