Three Things to Look for When Choosing a Mouthwash to Use On a Daily Basis
If you want to maximize the health of your teeth and gums, there are a few things you can do. Good at-home oral care involves brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. This leaves you with a few decisions to make, including finding the best mouthwash on the market. To find an answer that’s best for your specific needs, visit California Dental Group by calling us at (800) 407-0161 for an appointment. You can also keep reading to learn three things most people will need to look for when searching for the right mouthwash.
- Fluoride is Essential
- You Need an Anti-Bacterial Mouthwash
- Skip Mouthwash with Alcohol
First and foremost, you want to ensure that the mouthwash you choose has fluoride in it. Why? Because fluoride can actually strengthen your teeth and prevent enamel from being worn down. This can help your teeth be less prone to cavities and overall stronger and healthier. It is likely that your tap water has fluoride in it, but most people can benefit from extra fluoride found in their mouthwash.
It is equally important that your mouthwash is anti-bacterial. This will mean that it fights both germs and acids to prevent plaque buildup, which lowers both your chance of getting a cavity and your chance of getting gum disease. If you have already been diagnosed with gum disease, then you can ask your dentist if there is a special periodontal disease mouthwash to use. There are prescription options out there that can make a big difference.
While the other tips on this list give you something to look for, this final tip focuses on what to avoid. Namely, do not buy mouthwash with alcohol. While it was once the most common base for mouthwash, there are now many options without alcohol that work just as well. Alcohol can be harmful to the teeth, and it is a dangerous option to have around if there are children in the home. Even if you do not have kids in the home, with alcohol-free options on the market, we recommend choosing one.
We Can Help Determine the Right Mouthwash for Your Needs
If you are not sure what type of mouthwash you need, or if you have a dental problem you are looking to fix, such as constant bad breath, then you should contact your local dentist. In some cases, mouthwash will not actually help but will instead just mask the problem. We might be able to help you find the best way to actually treat the root cause. To learn more, contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment with a local Southern California dentist.
