Should I Use Mouthwash?
Mouthwash is a popular product that people use to achieve fresh, clean breath. Whether you already use it regularly or are thinking of incorporating it into your dental hygiene habits, you may wonder if mouthwash is necessary for good oral health. According to the American Dental Association, mouthwash can support a healthy mouth when added to your oral hygiene routine, although it should never be used as a replacement for your usual brushing and flossing. Below, our dentists at Distinctive Dental Solutions explore what our patients should know about using mouthwash.
Are There Benefits to Using Mouthwash?
Generally speaking, mouthwash is not necessary for anyone with good oral health habits. The most important thing you should do is brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once daily. However, many dentists recommend using mouthwash as part of your oral health regimen. Mouthwash can help support a healthy mouth in several ways. A daily rinse can help remove bacteria from your mouth, which then limits how much dental plaque will form on your gums and teeth.
Over time, regular mouthwash use can lower the risk of periodontal disease and cavities if the rinse contains fluoride. Some people may need mouthwash to manage health conditions, such as tooth sensitivity, dry mouth or dry socket. Of course, many people just appreciate the refreshing sensation that mouthwash provides. Both regular and specialized mouthwash can be an important part of your dental care plan.
Can Mouthwash Treat Bad Breath?
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, has many potential causes. People often use mouthwash to counteract the causes of bad breath, such as pungent food or poor hygiene. Using mouthwash and maintaining good oral health habits can usually solve the problem.
That being said, some people have underlying health issues that can cause bad breath, and these issues must be treated at their core cause. Mouthwash can’t solve bad breath if it is caused by dry mouth due to medication side effects, for instance. A specialized mouthwash may provide relief, however. You should talk to a physician before attempting to treat bad breath on your own, particularly if a chronic issue such as acid reflux or sinus inflammation causes it.
What Type of Mouthwash Should I Use?
There are many kinds of mouthwash available on the market today. You can find many different types at a drugstore for general use. If you have mouth sores, sensitive teeth or recently had dental surgery, you may benefit from speaking to a dentist. We provide special recommendations based on your unique oral health needs. For some, a general mouthwash containing fluoride is enough. Other mouthwashes are designed to prevent plaque from building up, while others can treat dry mouth. Regardless of your choice, make sure the mouthwash has the American Dental Association’s seal of approval for quality assurance.
Contact Our Dentists for a Checkup
Distinctive Dental Solutions is here to provide outstanding oral health care for you and your family. Contact our office today to schedule a dental checkup where we can discuss whether mouthwash has a place in your health care regimen.
