Mouthwash. The eternal question. Should I use mouthwash every day? Or just for a short period of time? Will it make my teeth yellow? Which mouthwash should I choose? Here is the plain truth about mouthwash.
Some mouthwash facts
Unlike your toothbrush, mouthwash can get in between teeth, reaching areas that your toothbrush can’t get to. This helps reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. Mouthwash can also help:
- Prevent or control tooth decay
- Reduce plaque (a thin film of bacteria that forms on teeth)
- Prevent or reduce gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease)
- Reduce the speed at that tartar (hardened plaque) forms on the teeth or produce a combination of these effects
- Freshen breath
- In case of gum disease, we use mouthwash with chlorhexidine very effective but not more than 3 weeks
How should mouthwash be used?
Some people use mouthwash as part of their daily teeth-cleaning routine. But you can also use mouthwash in a pinch to banish bad breath. But it isn’t going to work to strengthen tooth enamel or fight gum disease unless you use it right after brushing and flossing.
Dr. Ziad Sijari tells us: As a first step, start by making sure you brush your teeth twice a day, use mouthwash, replace your toothbrush every 3 months, and go to your dentist for regular check-ups.
Mouthwash usually contains an antiseptic that kills harmful bacteria which can live between your teeth and on your tongue. Some people use mouthwash to fight bad breath, while others use it to try to prevent tooth decay.
Fluoride additives in mouthwash are similar to oral rinses you might get at the end of a dental cleaning (although it should be noted that fluoride products found at the dentist’s office contain a much higher level of fluoride than the amount found in mouthwash).
These ingredients coat your teeth and absorb into your tooth enamel, helping to make your teeth more durable and plaque-resistant.
So, will you be using mouthwash today?
