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 you meet your dental goals?
Many people wonder if using a mouthwash daily should be part of their dental routine. Brushing and flossing are the two vital habits that have the most significant influence on dental health, so if you’re doing these two things, is mouthwash really necessary?
At Create A Smile, our dentist in Bloomington IN says that you can still use if you choose to, even if you brush and floss regularly. When our dental patients ask about mouthwash, we tell them that as long as they follow the directions on the bottle, mouthwash may slightly benefit dental health, even if it doesn’t live up to every promise as claimed. Although rinsing with a mouthwash that contains fluoride can benefit your teeth, allowing a bit of diluted toothpaste to stay on tooth surfaces after brushing probably has the exact same effect.
Individuals who suffer from bad breath often believe that mouthwash can solve the issue. Actually, mouthwashes that contain alcohol can worsen the problem because they can cause dry mouth—a condition that can contribute to bad breath. Mouthwashes without alcohol are ordinarily more powerful for freshening breath. These products are typically called fluoride rinses.
If you have persistent bad breath, however, you should have your teeth checked for plaque build-up by your local dentist in Bloomington IN. 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 know the cause. Bad breath can be an indication of a physical condition, 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 not alcohol.
At Create A Smile, PC – Dr. Ken Moore, we like to tackle important issues such as dental products, cosmetic dentistry care, over-the-counter teeth whitening, sedation dentistry, invisible braces, oral care habits, and more!
Our practice provides first-rate dental care to our valued patients. If you are interested in making an appointment, please call us at 812-332-1405. A member of our friendly staff can answer any questions you have about our services.
Contact Create A Smile, PC – Dr. Ken Moore:
812-332-1405
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
219 E. 17th St.
Bloomington, Indiana
47408
