At ART Dentistry we’ve seen patients use every type of oral health product on the market, and we commonly hear patients ask if mouthwash is actually beneficial for a healthy smile. Swishing around mouthwash for 60 seconds may give you fresh breath, but does it really make a difference in your oral health? Using a mouthwash is a great addition to your normal oral hygiene routine but it shouldn’t be used to replace regular brushing and flossing. Although, don’t count mouthwash out of your daily oral hygiene routine just yet. Here are some of the benefits you can expect to enjoy when using mouthwash.
Benefits of Mouthwash
- Fresh Breath: This is probably the most obvious benefit of using mouthwash and is the main reason most people turn to using a mouthwash. There are plenty of options to choose from and there are a variety of flavors to choose from. It’s important to note that mouthwash only temporarily treats bad breath. Your best bet is to regularly brush and floss to remove food particles and bacteria causing bad odor. However, if you’re looking for a quick breath freshener, mouthwash is a great option.
- Stop Cavities: Using a mouthwash regularly can stop cavities from forming if the mouthwash contains fluoride. Studies show that fluoride is extremely beneficial for reducing demineralization and cavities of teeth. Fluoride coats teeth to strengthen tooth enamel, the protective layer of the tooth that protects against tooth decay.
- Fight Gum Disease: Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup, so using a mouthwash to rinse out any bacteria you might have missed while brushing and flossing can be very effective at preventing gum disease. If you’re concerned with gum disease, using a mouthwash with alcohol or chlorhexidine can beneficial.
Which Mouthwash is Right for You?
When you’re strolling down the oral health aisle, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the amount of options for mouthwash out there. Here’s a brief summary of the types of mouthwashes you can choose from.
- Anti-Plaque Mouthwash: Ingredients like Chlorhexidine Gluconate help inhibit the accumulation of plaque that can cause gum disease.
- Fluoride Mouthwash: You can add extra protection against tooth decay with the use of a fluoride mouthwash. However, it’s important to keep an eye on your amount of fluoride exposure because excessive fluoride use can actually damage your teeth.
- Natural Mouthwash: This type of mouthwash works the same as most other mouthwashes but only contain natural ingredients. If you’re concerned about any chemicals in mouthwash, this is a great option for you.
- Cosmetic Mouthwash: This mouthwash is generally for treating bad breath and has no ability to reduce the chance of developing gum disease or tooth decay.
Contact our Charlotte Office
As you can see, mouthwash can have a variety of benefits for your oral health. Although, it’s important to remember that brushing and flossing is the best way to take care of your smile. If you have any concerns ranging from bad breath to tooth decay, mouthwash can be a great additional tool to add to your oral hygiene routine. For those cases that need more attention, contact our office for a consultation. We offer a range of restorative dental services that will get you smiling again.