Does Mouthwash Actually Do Anything?
Along with brushing twice and flossing once a day, some people use mouthwash as a part of their regular dental hygiene regime.
A proper oral care routine is necessary to ensure long-term dental health. Along with brushing twice and flossing once a day, several people use mouthwash as a part of their regular dental hygiene regime. Rinsing the mouth with mouthwash freshens the breath and claims to provide other benefits. However, some people often wonder if it is worth including mouthwash in their daily dental hygiene routine. This article will help us understand if mouthwash affects oral hygiene.
What is mouthwash?
Mouthwash is a famous oral hygiene product used to rinse the mouth after brushing and flossing. It has active ingredients that may include fluoride, water, essential oils, and alcohol to fight harmful breath-causing bacteria and prevent cavities.
However, one thing to remember is that not all mouthwashes are created equal. Different types of mouthwash are available to address various concerns. When shopping for mouthwash, pick the one specifically formulated to help with a particular issue.
Does mouthwash work?
Regular use of mouthwash does offer positive oral health benefits. According to the American Dental Association, using mouthwash or mouth rinse "can be a helpful addition to daily oral hygiene routine for some people." However, people should not use it as a substitute for brushing and flossing. A mouthwash can help with different dental concerns and take dental health to the next level when used along with brushing and flossing. Here are a few dental concerns that regular use of mouthwash can help with:
Bad breath: Mouthwash works to freshen the breath by eliminating the bacteria that result in lingering bad breath, especially those caused by onion or garlic.
Gum diseases: Plaque build-up is the reason behind gingivitis and other gum diseases. Mouthwash with active ingredients like essential oils or anti-plaque ingredients prevents gum diseases.
Tooth decay and cavities: Combine mouthwash with fluoride with regular brushing and flossing to help remineralize and reduce tooth decay and cavities.
Teeth stains: Good oral care and a whitening mouthwash with peroxide will result in whiter teeth over time. Whitening mouthwashes can work as a barrier between the teeth and foods that causes stains.
While most mouthwashes are over-the-counter, some may require a dentist's prescription. Mouthwash is an additional cleansing step but not a treatment option for underlying or ongoing dental problems.
Types of mouthwash
Cosmetic: Cosmetic mouthwashes are not designed to kill bacteria but temporarily mask bad breath. They taste good and serve only cosmetic purposes. They do not help with dental concerns.
Therapeutic: Therapeutic mouthwashes have an active ingredient that helps prevent diseases and cavities and improve overall dental health. Peroxide, fluoride, chlorhexidine, and essential oils are common ingredients in therapeutic mouthwashes.
Use the right mouthwash
It is advisable to consult a dentist for recommendations on the best mouthwash to resolve your specific dental concerns and how to use it correctly. A dentist can also provide detailed information that can help you to learn more about mouthwashes and the best preventative care to ensure optimum oral health.
If you need a gentle, caring dental team, please call Jennifer Fineberg’s office at (623) 362-2550. We’ll give you the very best dental care we can!
