The Benefits of Mouthwash: Why You Should Add It to Your Dental Routine

Maintaining good oral health is something that should be a top priority for everyone. Not only does it improve the appearance of your smile, but it also has some serious advantages for your overall health. Brushing your teeth and seeing your family dentist are both great ways to keep your mouth healthy, but another thing you can do is add mouthwash to your routine. In this article, we will learn more about what mouthwash is and the many benefits that come with using it!

What Is Mouthwash?

Mouthwash is a product that you use to rinse your mouth. It usually comes in a liquid form and is available without a prescription. You can find mouthwashes that are alcohol-based or alcohol-free. They often contain fluoride, which helps to prevent cavities, and other ingredients like menthol or essential oils that leave your mouth feeling fresh and minty.

What Does Mouthwash Do?

Mouthwash does more than just leave your mouth feeling refreshed. When you use it correctly, mouthwash can actually help to reduce plaque and gingivitis, fight bad breath, and even prevent cavities.

How To Use Mouthwash

Using mouthwash is pretty simple! Just follow the directions on the bottle. You will usually need to swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds to a minute before spitting it out. It’s important not to swallow mouthwash since it can contain ingredients that are harmful if ingested.

The Benefits Of Mouthwash

Now that we know what mouthwash is and how to use it, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of adding it to your dental routine.

Reduce Plaque & Gingivitis

Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that forms on your teeth. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can cause gingivitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that can lead to gum disease. Mouthwash can help to reduce plaque and gingivitis by killing the bacteria that cause it.

Freshen Your Breath

If you are looking for a way to freshen your breath, mouthwash can help. Bad breath is often caused by bacteria build-up in your mouth. When you use mouthwash, it helps to kill the bacteria and leaves your breath smelling minty fresh!

Help Prevent Cavities & Tooth Decay

Mouthwash can help to prevent cavities and tooth decay in two ways. First, it helps to remove the food particles and bacteria that cause cavities. Second, many types of mouthwash contain fluoride, which is a mineral that helps to strengthen your teeth and make them more resistant to cavities. Cavities often lead to tooth decay, so using mouthwash is a great way to keep your teeth healthy!

Removes Food Particles

After brushing and flossing your teeth, you may think that your mouth is clean. However, there are often small food particles left behind. Mouthwash can help to remove these particles and leave your mouth feeling truly clean.

Reduce Sensitivity

If you have sensitive teeth, mouthwash can actually help to reduce the sensitivity. There are special types of mouthwashes that contain ingredients that help to block the pores in your teeth and protect them from irritants.

Can Help With Canker Sores

Canker sores are small ulcers that can form in your mouth. They are often painful and can make it difficult to eat or drink. Some mouthwashes contain ingredients like salt or baking soda that can help to soothe canker sores and speed up the healing process.

How To Choose The Right Mouthwash

Now that you know all of the benefits of mouthwash, you may be wondering how to choose the right one for you. There are a few things to consider when choosing a mouthwash.

First, think about what your goals are. Are you looking for a way to freshen your breath? Reduce plaque and gingivitis? Prevent cavities? Once you know what you want to achieve, you can narrow down your options.

Next, consider the ingredients. If you have sensitive teeth, look for a mouthwash that is alcohol-free or contains fluoride. If you are looking for a natural option, there are also some mouthwashes that contain essential oils or other natural ingredients.

Finally, think about taste and flavour. Some mouthwashes can be quite strong, so it’s important to find one that you don’t mind using. There are a variety of flavours available, so take some time to find one that you will enjoy using.

If you are still trying to figure out which is best for you, then talk with your family dentist. They can help you to choose a mouthwash that will meet your needs and goals.

Mouthwash is a great addition to your dental routine! Not only does it leave your mouth feeling refreshed, but it also has some serious benefits for your oral health. Be sure to use mouthwash as directed and talk to your dentist if you have any questions.

Contact us today if you need to visit your family dentist! We would be more than happy to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health. Book an appointment by giving us a call at (705) 721-1143. We look forward to hearing from you!