Should I Be Using Mouthwash?

Find out if using mouthwash could actually improve your oral health or not.mouthwash

You see those commercials for Listerine most every day. This plastic bottle of bright blue liquid might even sit on your bathroom counter. Sometimes you use it and sometimes you don’t (perhaps you’re more likely not to use it than actually use it). So, you might be wondering whether or not using mouthwash is an important part of your oral care. Our Easton, MD, dentist, Dr. Kristine Houck Morris, weighs in on the topic.

The most common type of mouthwash is cosmetic and it’s designed to hide bad breath and potentially even whiten teeth with active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide. Of course, like many at-home mouthwashes, people can often come to rely on these products more than regular brushing and flossing. It’s important to note that mouthwash should never take the place of brushing or flossing your teeth.

However, mouthwash can be a complimentary habit to adopt as part of your regular oral care routine. After all, rinsing with mouthwash can dislodge plaque and food from between teeth, so it can be great to rinse your mouth after meals when you aren’t able to get ahold of a toothbrush. It’s also a good idea to use mouthwash prior to brushing and flossing, and then again after you are finished.

The one concern is that mouthwash can mask bad breath but it doesn’t always stop the source of the bad breath, which is important. Persistent bad breath can be due to food that’s stuck between teeth, decay or other health problems that may require medical care from our Easton general dentist. This is why it’s important to visit us every six months, or if you are noticing bad breath despite brushing and flossing.

The type of mouthwash our dentist will prescribe is usually more therapeutic in nature because it is designed to address certain issues such as gum inflammation, plaque buildup, canker sores, dry mouth and decay.

The type of mouthwash you use and how often you use it will really depend on the overall goals you are hoping to achieve. If you just want to make sure your teeth are getting enough fluoride then rinsing for up to one minute each night should do the trick. Of course, if you are looking to really remove food particles and clean teeth then you’ll want to rinse with mouthwash at least twice a day.

Whether you want to find out what mouthwash is right for your oral health needs or you just need to schedule your six-month cleaning, our Easton, MD, dental office is always here to serve you. Call our office today.

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