The Truth About Mouthwash: Is it a Waste or a Wonder?
At California Dental Group we get a lot of questions from patients about what the best products are to take care of their teeth. One product they often ask about is mouthwash. They wonder if it’s really helpful or if it’s just a waste of money. There’ no question that it makes your mouth feel clean and fresh, but is it really doing anything?
We’re happy to report that mouthwash can be a great product. After you’ve brushed, it’s wise to rinse your mouth out thoroughly. Mouthwash is a great way to do that. In recent years, there have been some stories going around that mouthwash is linked to other diseases. We looked into those rumors and found that the focused on certain kinds of mouthwash with specific ingredients. None of the ingredients that were found to cause issues are used in American mouthwashes.
Other studies show the results of using mouthwash three times a day, which is more than the recommend dosage. At California Dental Group we believe that there are many benefits of mouthwash. We do recommend that you skip mouthwash that has alcohol in it because it can dry out your mouth. We know that dry mouths can increase the chance of gum disease. Read on to learn more about the benefits of using mouthwash and then reach out to us at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment for a cleaning and exam.
Mouthwash can help fight gum disease
Brushing cleans your teeth and gums but there can still be small bits of food residue left over. Rinsing those away can help prevent plaque from building. If plaque is allowed to build then it can lead to infection, inflammation, and of course gum disease. You can rinse with water if you’d like but many mouthwashes have added ingredients to further fight bacteria.
Mouthwash can reduce your chance of tooth decay
Fluoride is found in many mouthwashes and can help strengthen the enamel in your teeth. The stronger your enamel is, the less your chance of cavities is – and the less likely you will need to get a filling. Patients who don’t have a layer of sealant on their teeth can especially benefit from mouthwash.
Mouthwash can freshen your breath
No one wants to have bad breath but many people do. The minty, fresh feeling you get in your mouth after brushing and rinsing with mouthwash feels great – and it’s great for those around you too. Some mouthwashes have additions that help keep your breath fresh for longer. For example, they may have antibacterial agents that kill the bacteria that’s behind bad breath in the first place.
As you can see, there are many benefits to using mouthwash. If you have additional questions about using it in your specific situation, reach out to us today at (800) 407-0161. If you want to set up an appointment for a cleaning or exam, give us a call too. California Dental Group is here to help you have the healthiest teeth and gums possible.
