Strong and healthy teeth are not only a good sign of oral health but may contribute to your body’s overall health and wellness. We all know that maintaining regular brushing and flossing habits is the foundation for oral hygiene, but rinsing your mouth with mouthwash can also have its benefits. As you begin to incorporate mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine, you may see yourself confused about how you should incorporate it. You may ask yourself whether you should rinse your mouth before brushing, or would rinsing the mouth after brushing be more beneficial.
Different dental experts have different opinions about the matter. We’re here to tell your ours. We’ll first start by stating the obvious (at least to us), mouthwash isn’t a direct substitute for flossing and brushing your teeth. It’s not a sufficient substitute for your toothpaste, and you shouldn’t substitute regular brushing with rinsing. It’s important to consider the fact that mouthwash (being liquid) can be effective in cleaning areas in your mouth that can’t be reached with your toothbrush or floss. Mouthwash can help clean and control plaque (a thin bacterial film that builds up on your teeth and gums), which can cause infections, cavities, gum diseases, and other oral health issues. Mouthwash isn’t intended to cure severe oral health issues. Therefore, you should see your dentist immediately if conditions like persistent halitosis (bad breath), dental abscess, or signs of gum diseases are present.
We’ve mentioned how different mouthwash ingredients may produce different benefits, and here are the common ones you should look for when checking the mouthwash’s label:
- Fluoride. We’ve mentioned fluoride several times in this post. It’s the most common ingredient not only in mouthwashes but in most other oral hygiene products. The main function of fluoride is to combat bacteria and reduce plaque (bacterial film) buildup, effectively reducing the risks of tooth decay, cavities, and infections, among other issues.
- Odor neutralizer/deodorizer. Pretty self-explanatory, different ingredients can be used here, but the purpose remains to reduce halitosis (foul breath odor) and freshen your breath. Astringent salt is a common ingredient that can temporarily reduce halitosis.
- Bleachers. Some mouthwash products may also contain bleachers or whitener ingredients like peroxide that can help remove stains from the teeth’s surface and prevent yellowing stains from building up.
- Antibacterial. Some mouthwash products may also contain specific ingredients that can combat bacteria and other microbes to prevent and reduce plaque buildup. Mouthwash products with these ingredients may also be prescribed by dentists to help treat early-stage gum disease and light infections.
Using mouthwash can lead to extensive long-term oral health. Our team at Chroma Dental will be with you every step of the way to make sure you understand the real benefits of using mouthwash to ensure long-term dental health.