Should You Use Mouthwash Daily? 5 Reasons That It May Be a Good Idea
There’s no question that oral hygiene is important but many people aren’t sure exactly what they should be doing. Brushing is good, but how often should they floss? And what about mouthwash? The short answer is that you should brush twice a day and floss once a day at a minimum. There can also be many advantages to using mouthwash on a daily basis.
- Mouthwash can freshen your breath
- Mouthwash can help reduce plaque
- To prevent and control tooth decay
- Mouthwash can help slow down tartar formation
- Mouthwash can help reduce or prevent gingivitis
Of course, one of the main reasons that people use mouthwash is to freshen their breath. Note that this can be helpful if the issue of bad breath is related to not being able to brush between meals, or having eaten something that’s particularly stinky. However, if the issue is something more serious, such as gum disease, then you’ll need to talk to your dentist about permanent solutions.
If you choose a good antimicrobial mouthwash then it can help to prevent plaque from building up on your teeth. We recommend sticking with brands that have been approved by the American Dental Association. It’s important to understand that a mouthwash isn’t going to remove plaque, but it can kill bacteria on the surface that would otherwise feed plaque.
If you’re worried about your teeth decaying then an alcohol-free mouthwash is a great option for you. Make sure that it also includes fluoride for best results. One tip we can offer here is to wait a bit after you brush your teeth before using mouthwash. You want the fluoride in your toothpaste to have time to active and begin working. The same is true of the fluoride in your mouthwash – let it penetrate and work for about thirty minutes before eating or drinking anything.
There are two basic types of mouthwash on the market: Cosmetic mouthwashes and therapeutic mouthwashes. A therapeutic mouthwash is going to have fluoride, which is going to strengthen your teeth and help prevent the formation of tartar. It can also work to prevent more serious gum issues. A cosmetic option may have teeth whitening properties or just exist to freshen your breath. If you’re going to use mouthwash, you may as well use one that has therapeutic properties.
If you have use mouthwash with fluoride then you will be making your teeth stronger and helping to prevent a host of issues, including gingivitis.
If you’re ready to talk to a dentist for a general exam and cleaning, or if you want advice on a personalized treatment plan for your dental issues, then it’s time to contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161. With numerous offices throughout Southern California, there’s bound to a be an office close and convenient to you.
