The Benefits of Using Mouthwash as Part of Your Oral Hygiene Routine

Excellent oral hygiene is essential for maintaining healthy teeth, gums, and mouth. Besides daily brushing and flossing, additional hygiene practices like routine professional cleanings and mouthwashes are effective for optimal oral health and function. In this guide, let’s discuss how you should use mouthwash and the various benefits of using mouthwash in your oral hygiene routine.

What is a Mouthwash?

Mouthwash or mouth rinse is a liquid product used to rinse your mouth, especially after meals. A mouthwash can contain different ingredients used for various purposes, like killing bacteria and freshening breath. While very effective, mouthwash shouldn’t be used as an alternative to daily brushing and flossing.

How to Use Mouthwash

You should always follow the package instructions to get the most out of your mouthwash. Basic instructions for using a mouthwash include:

• Floss and brush your teeth: Flossing and brushing will help wash away bacteria and debris from the mouth, making your mouthwash more effective.
• Measure the instructed amount of mouthwash.
• Empty the mouthwash and swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds. Do not swallow it, as it can be harmful if ingested.
• Spit it out into a sink: Do not rinse your mouth with water, as it can reduce the effectiveness of the mouthwash.

Most mouthwash products recommend using them twice daily after brushing and flossing.

Benefits of Mouthwash

Mouthwash provides a variety of benefits, including:

1. Fresh breath

One of the key reasons most people use mouthwash is to eliminate odor in their breath. Mouthwash contains antimicrobial agents that fight bacteria that cause bad breath, decay, and gum disease. Additionally, some mouthwash contains different tastes, leaving your mouth fresh and clean.

2. Removal of plaque and food debris

Rinsing your mouth, especially after eating or drinking, can help loosen food debris or plaque on your teeth and mouth.

3. Cavity prevention

Most mouthwash contains antibacterial properties that wash away bacteria and debris from the mouth, helping keep your teeth clean and healthy. Mouthwash that contains fluoride helps strengthen your teeth and fight bacteria, lowering your risk of tooth decay.

4. Gum disease prevention

Gum disease is often associated with inadequate oral hygiene, which encourages a buildup of harmful oral bacteria. If not eliminated promptly, these bacteria release toxins that irritate and infect the gum tissues, causing gingivitis (an early form of gum disease).

If not treated promptly, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, leading to bone loss, tooth loss, and other complications. Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash helps wash away plaque and kill periodontal bacteria, preventing gum disease from developing or progressing.

5. Reduces teeth sensitivity

Fluoride mouthwash contains a higher concentration of fluoride that restores the lost minerals in your teeth’s enamel, covering up sensitive areas of the teeth. This reduces tooth sensitivity and strengthens your teeth, lowering your risk of tooth decay and damage. Visit our Concord dentist near you if you have untreated tooth sensitivity or cavities.

6. Reduces dry mouth

Certain mouthwash contains moisturizing ingredients that help stimulate saliva production, keeping your mouth clean and bacteria-free. It also fights the symptoms of dry mouth, like bad breath, difficulty swallowing, decay, oral thrush, and gum disease.

7. Whitens teeth

Whitening mouthwash contains bleaching ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which helps remove teeth stains and give you a brighter, whiter, youthful smile. However, whitening mouthwash is only ideal for people with mild teeth stains or discoloration. Deep stains may need professional teeth whitening, veneers, or bonding.

8. Soothes the mouth

Specific mouthwash contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents that help fight bacteria, viruses, and inflammation, promoting healing and pain relief associated with mouth sores.

How to Choose the Right Mouthwash

There are several types of mouthwash, each with its ingredients and purposes. Therefore, choosing a mouthwash based on your dental needs is essential. Below are tips for choosing a mouthwash:

• Check the ingredients: Choose a mouthwash that’s designed for your dental needs. For instance, if you want to strengthen and protect your teeth against decay and cavities, go for a mouthwash with fluoride and antimicrobial properties.
• Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash: Alcohol can dry out your mouth, leading to dry mouth symptoms like bad breath, sores, thrush, decay, and gum disease.
• Consult your dentist: Your dentist understands your condition and needs the best and thus can provide the best recommendations for mouthwash.

Visit Our Dentist in Concord, MA

Do you need help choosing the right mouthwash? Or perhaps you need more information about mouthwash benefits? Contact and book a dentist appointment at Concord Woods Dental Group to book a consultation today.