If you’ve ever perused the dental care aisle of a grocery store, you know that there are many different types of mouthwash. Some tout their germ-killing abilities, others emphasize their fluoride content, and some claim to whiten teeth while freshening the breath. These are all great benefits, but will they help meet your oral care needs?
Many people wonder if daily mouthwash should be part of their dental routine. Brushing and flossing are the two vital habits that have the most significant effect on dental health, so if you’re doing these two things, is mouthwash needed?
Take It, or Leave It
When our dental patients ask about mouthwash, we tell them that as long as they follow the instructions for use on the bottle, mouthwash may slightly benefit oral health in Sparks, even if it doesn’t live up to every promise as touted. Rinsing with a mouthwash that contains fluoride can’t hurt your teeth, but allowing a bit of diluted toothpaste to stay on tooth surfaces after brushing probably has the same merit.
People who suffer from bad breath often believe that mouthwash can solve the problem. Actually, mouthwashes that contain alcohol can worsen the problem because they can cause dry mouth—a condition that can exacerbate bad breath. Mouthwashes without alcohol are ordinarily more effective for freshening breath. These products are ordinarily called fluoride rinses.
Improving Oral Health in Sparks, MD
If you have persistent bad breath, however, you should have your teeth examined for plaque build-up. No amount of mouthwash can remedy a mouth full of plaque. If your teeth and gums are healthy and you still suffer from bad breath, it’s important to confirm the cause. Bad breath can be an indication of a physical condition or worsening oral health in Sparks, so see your doctor soon. Bottom line? Never substitute mouthwash for proper brushing and flossing. And if you use mouthwash, opt for a brand that contains fluoride and no alcohol.
At Hereford Dental Health, we like to tackle critical issues such as dental products, cosmetic dentistry, over-the-counter teeth whitening, mercury-free dentistry, invisible braces, oral care habits, and more! If you are interested in making an appointment, please call us at 410-357-0099. A member of our staff can answer any questions you have about our services.
Contact Hereford Dental Health – Craig Longenecker DDS:
410-357-0099
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
16928 York Rd
Monkton, Maryland
21111
