Is Mouthwash Important to My Dental Health?
Mouthwash is a refreshing way to get rid of your bad breath, but does it have any other advantages? And if you’re not already, should you be using it? Rinsing with a daily mouthwash comes along with several advantages and using the right mouthwash can actually be very beneficial to your oral health. Below are the benefits of using mouthwash:
- Using a mouthwash with fluoride helps prevent cavities.
- A mouthwash with antibacterial in it reduces your chances of getting gum diseases like periodontal disease.
- It helps reduce the amount of plaque and bacteria on your teeth after brushing and flossing.
- Mouthwash makes your mouth feel and smell fresh.
- It can help wash away remaining food debris left behind after brushing and flossing.
- Mouthwash with a low alcohol content can soothe canker sores by removing bacteria.
Which mouthwash should you use?
Different mouthwash brands have different ingredients and different affects on your teeth.
Act is a high fluoride rinse that is great for removing bacteria and preventing cavities. After using an Act rinse, your teeth will be coated in fluoride protecting them from bacterial plaque that cause cavities. If you are prone to cavities this would be a good mouthwash to use.
Listerine has a high alcohol content, making it the best for preventing gum disease and killing bacteria in your mouth. Gum disease occurs when your tooth sockets get inflamed or infected from bacteria lingering in your mouth. Listerine removes bacteria from the mouth and helps prevent gum diseases like gingivitis.
Mouthwashes like Peridex contain chlorhexidine, which actually helps treat gum disease and other mouth sores. This mouthwash can be prescribed by your dentist to help reduce swelling, redness and bleeding in your mouth.
Mouthwash can be a great addition to your oral hygiene routine, but it should not be used as a substitute for brushing. While there are many benefits to using mouthwash, studies have shown that it isn’t essential to having a healthy mouth. Whether you use a mouthwash is up to you and your dentist.
Make an appointment to speak to your dentist about what mouthwash is right for you.
