Mouthwash for Better Oral Health
Who does not love that minty freshness that comes from a daily swish of mouthwash? In addition to freshening your breath, mouthwash promotes better oral health. Also called oral rinse, mouthwash is a liquid product used to rinse your teeth, gums, and mouth. It usually contains an antiseptic to kill harmful bacteria that can live between your teeth and on your tongue.
Some people use mouthwash to fight against bad breath, while others use it to try to prevent tooth decay.
Mouthwash should not be viewed as a replacement for daily brushing and flossing, but as a helpful addition to your daily oral hygiene routine.
Some benefits of mouthwash are:
- Reducing bad breath,
- Help to prevent cavities,
- Fight against gum disease, and
- Relief from dry mouth.
Mouthwashes are divided into two categories:
- Cosmetic: Cosmetic mouthwash may combat bad breath temporarily and leave a pleasant taste.
- Therapeutic: Therapeutic mouthwash has active ingredients that help fight against gingivitis, plaque, dental decay and bad breath.
A mouthwash that is formulated to fight against gingivitis and plaque will likely have antimicrobial ingredients such as chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium, and essential oils.
Mouthwashes that are designed to be anti-cavity will have fluoride ions which help remineralize broken-down enamel.
There are also teeth whitening mouthwashes. These mouthwashes will usually contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as an active ingredient.
How to use Mouthwash?
- Brush your teeth first
Start by brushing and flossing your teeth. If you are brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, wait for a while to use mouthwash.
- How much Mouthwash to use
Pour the mouthwash into the cup provided to you with the bottle. Use only as much prescribed on the bottle to use. It is usually 3 to 5 teaspoons.
- Rinse and Spit it out
Pour the mouthwash into your mouth and swish it. You can also gargle for 30 seconds. Once done, spit it out. It is not meant for ingesting.
Needed a new dentist in Salem, picked Dr. Orfaly by location. I met him before agreeing to my first appointment, and so far, have been very happy. I'm a curious sob, and credit Dr Orfaly for being patient with my atmospheric river of questions. He knows how to relate to patients, and seems to be on top of his game. Highly recommend.
Needed a new dentist in Salem, picked Dr. Orfaly by location. I met him before agreeing to my first appointment, and so far, have been very happy. I'm a curious sob, and credit Dr Orfaly for being patient with my atmospheric river of questions. He knows how to relate to patients, and seems to be on top of his game. Highly recommend.
A few important thoughts to end this blog:
- Using mouthwash does not mean you do not need to brush and floss. It is used in conjunction with a proper oral hygiene regimen.
- Always use mouthwash that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
- Use prescription mouthwash as directed.
If you need more guidance on maintaining proper oral hygiene, you can always write to us at smile@fisherorfalydental.com or call us on 978-744-1209.
Who likes to go to the dentist? Fear no more. Dr. Orfaly and his staff provide an environment of ease and professionalism that relieve the jitters that so many feel during visits to the dentist. Whether a routine check up or more complex procedure, our experiences have been most positive.
