A big part of having healthy teeth is brushing them twice a day. What about mouthwash, though? Is it an important part of your routine or merely another task you need to do?
We can find the truth somewhere in the middle. Mouthwash is helpful in some ways, but it is not an alternative for brushing and flossing. Let us delve into mouthwash and see if it is right for you, especially if you are looking for a dentist in Thousand Oaks.
The benefits of mouthwash.
Mouthwash can be an important part of your oral hygiene routine because it has a number of benefits, including:
- It helps with bad breath: Mouthwash kills germs that cause bad breath (halitosis) very well. These germs like to live on the back of your tongue, which is tough to clean with a toothbrush.
- It reduces plaque buildup: Plaque is a film that sticks to your teeth and can harden into tartar, which can cause gum disease and cavities. Plaque does not build up as much between brushing sessions when you use mouthwash to loosen and clear off plaque.
- It makes teeth stronger: Using mouthwashes with fluoride adds another layer of defense against cavities. Fluoride makes tooth enamel stronger, which means cavities can not get through it as easily.
- It supports gum health: Some mouthwashes have chemicals that can help fight gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, and lower gum inflammation.
- It adds a freshness boost: Mouthwash helps keep your breath clean and fresh all day, but it works best after meals or coffee breaks.
It is important to remember that mouthwash will not fix everything. If you do not brush and floss your teeth regularly, it will not get rid of all the plaque or stop cavities.
The limitations of mouthwash.
Even though mouthwash is helpful, it has some limitations:
- It has a limited reach: Plaque and food bits get removed from between teeth and under the gum line when you brush and clean, but mouthwash can not do that as well.
- The double-edged sword of alcohol: A lot of mouthwashes have alcohol in them, which kills germs but can also make your mouth dry. A dry mouth can throw off the natural balance of good and bad germs, which could make cavities and thrush more likely.
- Masking vs. taking care of the problem: Mouthwash can cover up bad breath for a while, but it will not get rid of the cause. If you have bad breath that will not go away, you should see your doctor to find out what is wrong.
How to choose the right mouthwash for yourself.
It can be hard to choose from all the different kinds of mouthwash. Here is how to pick the best one for you:
- Fluoride for strong teeth: If you want to avoid cavities, pick a mouthwash with fluoride (about 0.05% sodium fluoride).
- For your comfort, no alcohol: Mouthwashes without alcohol are good for people with sensitive mouths. They have the same benefits as alcohol, but they do not dry you out like alcohol does.
- Think about what you need: Look for mouthwashes that are made to treat specific problems, like gingivitis (which contains chlorhexidine) or dry mouth (which contains xylitol).
Always follow the directions on the mouthwash bottle, especially when it comes to how long and how often to use it.
Additional things you should consider when using mouthwash.
Too much mouthwash use can throw off the balance of germs in your mouth, so make sure you follow the directions on how to use it. If you are worried about your oral health, talk to your doctor about how to use mouthwash properly.
Think about natural choices like plant ingredients or essential oils, but make sure you buy names that you can trust. Mouthwash is a good way to clean your teeth, but it is not a replacement for brushing and flossing. Talk to your dentist if you have problems with your gums or bad breath.