We all see the commercials of people with beautiful, youthful-looking teeth swishing around a blue or green mouthwash liquid in their mouth. But you may be wondering, is mouthwash really worth the hype? Today, we’ll discuss the value of mouthwash and what it can do for your smile.
What Is Mouthwash?
Mouthwash is a liquid that you swish around in your mouth after brushing and flossing or after eating a meal. Often, it contains active ingredients such as sodium fluoride. Fluoride aides in the remineralization process and helps prevent cavities. However, not all mouthwashes are created equally and there are actually a variety of mouthwashes used for different things. Mouthwash can be used for one or a combination of the following:
- Freshening Breath
- Killing Bacteria
- Preventing Cavities & Decay
- Preventing Gingivitis
- Whitening Teeth
Does Mouthwash Really Work?
Incorporating this freshening liquid into your oral healthcare regimen does have positive benefits for your smile! Depending on your dental needs, you could especially benefit from a mouthwash that contains fluoride to protect your teeth from acids and decay or an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash to curb the buildup of plaque. But it’s important to note that mouthwash is meant to act as a supplement to your oral hygiene routine and not the end-all be-all. While mouthwash can help keep cavities, gingivitis, bad breath, and plaque at bay, it should never be used as a substitute for brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and attending biannual dental visits.
Ask Our Expert Team!
Not all mouthwashes are formulated to accomplish the same purpose. Whether you’re looking for a preventive, whitening, therapeutic (for gum disease), desensitizing, or anti-plaque mouthwash, we encourage you to discuss your dental needs with us beforehand to determine which mouthwash is right for your teeth and gums. We can recommend a specific type of mouthwash to ensure you can achieve and maintain pristine oral health. If you have any more questions about mouthwash, please contact our office today.
