Some people believe they don’t need mouthwash if they’re already brushing and flossing regularly. While it’s true that mouthwash is not a replacement for brushing twice a day and flossing daily, it can still play a beneficial role in your oral hygiene.
That’s because mouthwash is designed to fight bad breath, prevent cavities, and kill the bacteria that contribute to gum disease. However, the value of mouthwash varies from person to person; for those with a comprehensive oral care routine, the addition of mouthwash might not make a big difference.
Yet, there are circumstances where mouthwash provides extra benefits, such as reaching areas that brushing and flossing might miss or offering specific protection against cavities or gum disease. Essentially, whether you need mouthwash depends on your unique dental health and the advice of your dentists in Oakleigh.
What is Mouthwash?
Mouthwash is a liquid product that you swish around your mouth to clean your teeth, gums, and the inside of your mouth. It has different ingredients to help reduce bacteria, prevent plaque and gingivitis, and sometimes add minerals to your teeth. There are many kinds of mouthwash for different needs, from making your breath smell good to helping with specific dental issues.
Rinsing With Mouthwash Before Your Treatment
Before some dental procedures, your dentist might ask you to rinse with a mouthwash. This step is important as it cuts down on aerosols, which are small droplets that can carry bacteria and other tiny particles from your mouth. When you use mouthwash before your procedure, you help lower the number of these droplets in the air, making the environment safer for both you and the dental team.
What Type of Mouthwash Do You Need?
Choosing the right mouthwash depends on your specific dental needs. Here’s a guide to help you select the best type for your oral health care routine.
- Fluoride Mouthwash: These have fluoride to strengthen your teeth and protect against cavities, especially if you’re prone to tooth decay.
- Chlorhexidine Mouthwash: Used for more serious dental issues like gum disease, this type has strong bacteria-fighting abilities. Dentists usually recommend it for short periods.
- Alcohol-Free Mouthwash: Some people prefer mouthwashes without alcohol because they’re gentler, especially if you have a sensitive mouth or get dry mouth easily. They still offer the same benefits as other mouthwashes, for example, reducing bacteria and freshening breath, but without the burn of alcohol.
How to Use Mouthwash
For the best oral health, mouthwash should be a part of your daily routine that also includes brushing and flossing:
- Brush your teeth well for two minutes twice a day.
- Floss daily to clean between your teeth and below the gumline.
- Rinse with mouthwash for 30 seconds to a minute, as directed on the bottle. This helps clean any areas you might have missed and provides an all-over clean.
Remember, mouthwash isn’t a replacement for brushing or flossing but an extra step for more complete care.
Adding Mouthwash for a Full Dental Care Routine
Mouthwash does more than just freshen your breath—it plays a key role in keeping your mouth healthy. When you add the right mouthwash to your brushing and flossing routine, you’re taking a step towards better oral hygiene.
