Daily brushing and flossing are two important steps to cleaning and brightening your teeth. But what about including mouthwash? Mouthwash, an oral rinse, is a liquid solution used to rinse and freshen the mouth. Some individuals will never skip using mouthwash, while others question whether mouthwash is necessary.

PURPOSE OF MOUTHWASH

Mouthwash can have different purposes depending on its formulation. For example, alcohol-free antibacterial rinses fight gum disease and tooth decay, and fluoridated mouthwash help fortify your enamel. Some mouthwashes provide relief for dryness. Though mouthwash can be designed with a specific purpose in mind, mouthwash generally combats bad breath and gives your mouth a clean, fresh feeling.

WHY USE MOUTHWASH?

Rinsing with mouthwash can be beneficial if you struggle with chronic bad breath. However, it’s important to note that using mouthwash alone won’t solve the root cause of your bad breath, such as poor oral hygiene, diet, or an underlying health condition.

If you’re at a higher risk of developing gum disease or tooth decay, you would likely benefit from a mouthwash that contains fluoride or antibacterial agents to help prevent these conditions. But again, using mouthwash alone won’t be enough to entirely prevent or treat these conditions.

BENEFITS OF MOUTHWASH

The American Dental Association states that mouthwash may be a helpful addition to your daily oral hygiene routine. If you’re following an effective oral hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing, mouthwash can provide benefits like reduced bad breath, cavity prevention, and relief for dry mouth.

While mouthwash can be a helpful addition to your oral hygiene routine, it shouldn’t be relied on as a sole means of maintaining good oral health. Daily brushing and flossing, maintaining a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, regularly visiting the dentist, and avoiding tobacco products are all essential oral health habits!

COMPREHENSIVE DENTAL CARE IN NEVADA, MO

Your at-home oral care routine plays a big role in the health of your smile. Routine dental checkups are an opportunity to get personalized counsel from our team regarding the effectiveness of your oral care routine. So if it’s time for your next exam and cleaning or if you have concerns about your oral health, please contact Advanced Dentistry of Nevada to schedule an appointment.