Many people will routinely use mouthwash to complete their oral care routine. It can be a nice finishing touch, helping to freshen breath temporarily. However, if you like to use mouthwash or are thinking of starting to use it, it is worth being aware of the potential pros and cons and how to choose the right mouthwash for your needs.
Why Use Mouthwash?
You might want to use mouthwash for various reasons, including the following.
- Fresher breath
- Reduced risk of cavities in Oshawa
- Lower risk of gum disease
- Teeth whitening
These are all worthwhile reasons for using mouthwash, but different types are available, so choosing the right one is important.
What are the Different Types of Mouthwash?
Some of the different types of mouthwash are outlined below.
Cosmetic Mouthwash
Some mouthwashes will only provide cosmetic benefits, temporarily freshening breath, but give no real oral health benefits.
Whitening Mouthwash
A tooth-whitening mouthwash might contain a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide. While it could help lift some surface stains on teeth, its effect is limited as it is not in contact with your teeth long enough to have any real effect.
Fluoride Mouthwash
Certain mouthwashes contain fluoride, which helps strengthen tooth enamel and fights cavities. These can be a useful backup in addition to using fluoride toothpaste.
Antimicrobial or Antiseptic Mouthwash
These mouthwashes can help reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities by fighting the bacteria that cause these conditions.
Mouthwash for Specific Oral Conditions
Some mouthwashes have been developed to help with specific conditions, such as mouth sores and dry mouth or are for use after oral surgery.
What are the Pros of Using Mouthwash?
Mouthwash can help rinse away additional debris loosened by your toothbrush. If you choose a brand with fluoride or which is antimicrobial, it could help protect your oral health. It will temporarily freshen your breath. However, mouthwash is not a substitute for regular dental care in Whitby. It will not replace tooth brushing and flossing.
What are the Potential Cons of Using Mouthwash?
Using a good brand of mouthwash should be harmless, provided you follow the instructions closely and don’t swish it around for longer than recommended or swallow it afterwards. However, using certain mouthwashes could worsen some oral health problems. For example, if you have a dry mouth, avoid mouthwash containing alcohol because it will dry out your mouth further. If you have chronic bad breath (halitosis), mouthwash will not cure it. You will need to see a dentist in Ajax to determine the reason for your bad breath and to get suitable treatment.
Is it Necessary to Use Mouthwash?
Sometimes, our dentists at Margolian Dentistry recommend using certain therapeutic mouthwashes; for example, if you have recently had oral surgery, we might recommend a specific brand or prescribe a mouthwash. Using mouthwash in this situation can help to keep your mouth clean and free from infection. You might also benefit from using mouthwash if you are concerned about cavities or gum disease, and again, we can discuss which brand to try if this is the case.
Otherwise, if you have pretty good dental health and a good oral care routine, mouthwash probably isn’t necessary but is more down to your personal choice. It can be nice to use to ensure your breath smells super fresh, but as a general rule, choose an alcohol-free brand, preferably one that provides some therapeutic benefits. If you have kids, keep it well out of their reach, and if they are old enough to use it, ensure they spit out the excess afterwards, as it should never be swallowed.
