What Everyone Should Know About Using Mouthwash For Improved Oral Health

26 September 2019
 Categories: Dentist, Blog


Just when you thought you were in a routine with regular flossing and brushing, your dentist may tell you that you should incorporate mouthwash into the mix as well. For those new to using mouthwash regularly, there are a few things everyone should understand about incorporating it into your daily routine.

Mouthwash Has Multiple Types

Mouthwash isn't something that has a single solution that works for everyone. There are actually different kinds of mouthwash that you can purchase at the store. There are mouthwashes that are designed just for having fresh breath. The purpose is to swish the mouthwash around for a short amount of time to help wash away odors left behind from meals or other oral health problems. It has its purpose, but only provides fresh breath.

Therapeutic mouthwashes are designed to improve the health of your gums and teeth when you use them. The mouthwash is capable of killing bacteria inside the mouth and reducing the amount of plaque that builds up on your teeth. These kinds of mouthwash also contain fluoride, which helps strengthen the teeth and prevent cavities. When your dentist says to use mouthwash, this is the type of mouthwash they are thinking of.

Mouthwash Won't Replace Brushing

While these therapeutic mouthwashes may have the ability to reduce plaque and kill bacteria, they are by no means an alternative to flossing and brushing your teeth every single day. Mouthwash should be a step that you take in addition to flossing and brushing to help keep your mouth clean. If you think you can get away with a quick rinse of mouthwash before you head out the door, know that you'd be better off brushing and skipping the mouthwash.

Mouthwash Can Be Accidentally Diluted By Rinsing

You may think that the strong taste of mouthwash needs to be rinsed out from your mouth, but that may be doing more harm than good. The fluoride in the mouthwash will only work its magic if it stays on your teeth, and if you rinse out your mouth with water you are actually rinsing away the mouthwash. You'll lose out on many of the benefits of using mouthwash. Try using mouthwash in the morning after you finish eating your breakfast, and in the evening before you are ready to go to bed. This will prevent you from rinsing away the mouthwash by accident and losing the positive health effect that you are trying to provide to yourself.

For more information, contact a dentist like Naas Family Dentistry.


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