Mouthwash is a quick fix for bad breath. Some patients are fond of using it instead of brushing their teeth out of convenience or misinformation. In this post, we will discuss if your favorite mouthwash is enough to replace your regular brushing.
Is a mouthwash a good substitute for brushing your teeth?
Mouthwash or oral rinse contains antibacterial properties to keep your breath fresh and control bacterial growth in your mouth. However, a swish of mouthwash cannot flush out stuck food debris and the sticky plaque that is tightly snuggling your tooth.
Only teeth brushing can physically remove plaque buildup and unclog the food particles in the nooks and crannies of your teeth. Your dental floss can also make sure that there is no invisible plaque forming between your teeth. Though nothing compares to the cleaning effect of your usual brush and floss, your oral rinse is still worth keeping in your routine.
What are the benefits of using mouthwash?
Though your oral rinse can’t clean your teeth as much as you expect, it is still an essential addition to your oral hygiene. Mouthwash contains antibacterial properties that remove odor-causing bacteria and extend the protection provided by your toothpaste. It can provide you with the following benefits:
- Provides an added protection for your teeth and gums against tooth decay and gum disease
- Helps in relieving pain and healing canker sores
- Delays the progression of cavities
- Reduces the bacterial load in your mouth
- Can keep your breath fresh for an extended time
Proper ways of using mouthwash
Using an oral rinse has advantages but also has disadvantages if not used properly. Here are some tips in using your mouthwash and preventing it from doing more harm than good to your oral health:
- Some brands of mouthwash have sugar or alcohol content. The oral rinse with added sugar for flavoring is not suitable to use before bed. On the other hand, an alcohol-based oral rinse can cause dry mouth that will make you more at risk for tooth decay. Consult your dentist for the best brand of oral rinse for you.
- Try not to consume any food or flavored drinks 30 minutes after you use your oral rinse.
- Brush and floss your teeth before your oral rinse. Avoid using it to replace your other oral hygiene routine.
- To let the antibacterial properties of the mouthwash take effect, gargle it for about 30 seconds.
- Do not rinse the mouthwash off your mouth with water. Doing so will prevent it from doing what it does best – prolonging the protection of your mouth against the bacteria.
Have you been using mouthwash over teeth brushing? Maybe it’s time for professional teeth cleaning!
If you’ve been using your mouthwash over brushing, it’s best to switch it up as soon as possible. You also need to visit your dentist for professional cleaning in Florissant, MO so you can get rid of plaque buildup on your teeth.
At Soft Touch Dental, we educate our dental community about the importance of good oral care. We provide preventive and restorative dental services to help you get rid of the cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth. Schedule an appointment now and learn more about the best oral rinse for you.