When taking good care of your teeth is a priority, you want to do everything you can to ensure that your teeth stay healthy, strong and bright. Is brushing and flossing your teeth enough or should you use mouthwash too? Here’s why mouthwash can be a great addition to your oral hygiene regimen and what to look for when choosing a mouthwash.
The Benefits of Using Mouthwash
Mouthwash can benefit your teeth in many ways, depending on the type of mouthwash you choose. Mouthwash can be helpful to freshen your breath, kill bacteria, lessen the development of plaque, wash away food debris, reduce inflammation, promote healthy gums, decrease sensitivity, remineralize and protect your teeth from cavities and the list goes on! It’s easy to see why so many people use it!
What Should I Look For in a Mouthwash?
Different mouthwashes have different active ingredients for different purposes. Mouthwashes with antiseptic ingredients can be helpful to fight bacteria while mouthwashes with fluoride can be useful to strengthen your teeth and reduce sensitivity. Your dentist may write a prescription for a special mouthwash if you have specific needs requiring extra care such as unresolved bad breath, advanced gum disease, recurring cavities or if you struggle with regular home dental care.
Using Mouthwash in a Pinch
Should you use mouthwash as a stand in for brushing and flossing when brushing and flossing is difficult? This is a great question, because dentists generally recommend brushing your teeth after each meal, but this can be difficult during your lunch break or while snacking on the go.
If you find it difficult to brush your teeth after a meal, it’s much better to use mouthwash than to do nothing. Mouthwash can help to wash away food debris and plaque and to kill bacteria, it’s not as effective as brushing because it doesn’t scrub away all the particles or reach every surface of your teeth like brushing and flossing can, so it shouldn’t be a regular replacement.
Talking to Your Dentist About Mouthwash
It can be helpful to begin by talking to your dentist about the benefits you’re looking for from a mouthwash in order to find the best fit. If you’re not sure how to start the conversation, you can always simply ask, should you use mouthwash, and if so, what kind would they recommend to you? Your dentist wants your teeth to receive the utmost care and will be happy to share what they know to help you find exactly what you need.
Call our Dowagiac Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.