Brushing and flossing your teeth daily are oral hygiene basics, but what about using mouthwash? Is it an essential part of keeping your teeth healthy.
Except for fluoride rinses, mouthwashes are generally not part of the daily oral care routine recommended by dentists, but that does not mean it has no value. Using mouthwash correctly can offer several benefits.
One of the most important oral hygiene basics is removing bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities. Most mouthwash is antimicrobial, which means it kills bacteria. To use mouthwash, you take a small amount and swish it around your mouth vigorously for at least 30 seconds. Then, you spit it into the sink and rinse out your mouth with water. Make sure you do not swallow mouthwash, as it is not meant to be ingested.
Bacteria is often the source of the odor, so anything that kills bacteria may help with bad breath. If you have good oral hygiene but still have bad breath from time to time, mouthwash can help.
Additionally, many brands have "fresh" scents such as peppermint and spearmint to give your breath a boost after a strongly flavored lunch. However, you should look out for mouthwash that only covers up odors, but does not address the underlying issues. Make sure you check the ingredients before purchasing.
Dentists recommend flossing to loosen food trapped between teeth, then brushing to catch the debris. However, brushing may miss tiny bits of food that catch on gums. Doing a thorough rinse with mouthwash ensures you get any remaining food particles and bacteria.
Some mouthwash contains fluoride, which is a chemical compound that strengthens enamel. In fact, it is often added to drinking water to prevent cavities. If you are genetically predisposed to developing cavities, rinsing with fluoride-infused mouthwash may be an excellent preventative measure.
The one downside to using mouthwash is that some brands contain ingredients that can irritate the sensitive skin in your mouth. Even mouthwash that does not contain alcohol can cause discomfort in certain situations.
Canker sores are small lesions that appear in the mouth. They are common and usually go away on their own. However, certain mouthwashes may contain ingredients that can irritate them. If you have a canker sore, you may want to skip the rinse until it is healed.
Some mouthwash ingredients are dehydrating, so your mouth may feel dry after rinsing. This dryness does not bother some people, but if you are prone to dry mouth or are on medication that lists dry mouth as one of its side effects, the dehydration may be more noticeable.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Oral Hygiene Basics in Boca Raton, FL
Overall, mouthwash can be a great addition to oral hygiene basics. However, it is essential to remember that rinsing does not replace regular oral care as recommended by dentists. Instead, it is an additional step that you can take to support the pillars of brushing and flossing.
Request an appointment or call Stellar Smiles at 561-225-2070 for an appointment in our Boca Raton office.
The oral hygiene basics that you need to practice to keep your teeth looking clean and your breath fresh will also protect your teeth from cavities. Good cleaning habits and consistency about your oral care regimen can spare teeth from the damage and decay that causes cavities to form. Here are a few key practices…
Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that dentists recommend brushing twice a day: once in the morning and once at night. However, you may not know why this is so. Why is once not enough? After all, experts recommend flossing only once a day. How is brushing your teeth different?Brushing your teeth is a…
Keeping up with oral hygiene basics can prevent cavities and other issues with your teeth. Proper daily care can also stop discoloration of the teeth and reduce bad breath. Here are some dental habits that people can benefit from including as part of a daily routine.One of the most important parts of oral hygiene is…
Dental bonding is an effective restorative procedure for many dental issues, including tooth sensitivity. Read on to learn more about dental bonding. Dental sensitivity affects almost everyone at some point in their lives. Very hot or cold foods or liquids may cause a person’s teeth to become irritated. Knowing how to manage or approach sensitivity…
If you have small defects in your front teeth, dental bonding is a great choice to consider. It is less costly than porcelain veneers and can be a cost-effective alternative for problems such as stained or chipped teeth. Furthermore, bonded teeth do not necessitate any special aftercare. The material used adheres to the teeth well.…