Is Mouthwash A Must?

Addison after hours dental

If you’ve ever visited a grocery store dental aisle, 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 men and women wonder if daily mouthwash should be part of their dental routine. Brushing and flossing are the two vital habits that have the greatest impact on dental health, so if you’re doing these two things, is mouthwash needed?

I’m Dr. Mari Ramirez of The Addison Dentist in Addison. When my dental patients ask about mouthwash, I tell them that as long as they follow the instructions on the bottle, mouthwash may slightly benefit dental health, 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 benefit.

Individuals who suffer from bad breath often believe that mouthwash can solve the dilemma. Actually, mouthwashes that contain alcohol can worsen the problem because they can cause dry mouth—a condition that can worsen bad breath. Mouthwashes without alcohol are typically more efficient for freshening breath. These products are typically called fluoride rinses.

If you have persistent bad breath, however, you should have your teeth evaluated 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 ascertain the cause. Bad breath can be an indication of a physical condition, so see your physician soon.

Bottom line? Never substitute mouthwash for proper brushing and flossing. And if you use mouthwash, decide on a brand that contains fluoride and no alcohol.

Thank you for . We like to tackle critical issues such as dental products, cosmetic dentistry services, over-the-counter teeth whitening, sedation dentistry, invisible braces, pediatric dentistry, oral care habits, and more!

My practice, The Addison Dentist, provides exceptional dental care to our valued patients. If you are interested in making an appointment, please call us at 469-998-2515. A member of my compassionate staff can answer any questions you have about our services.

Call today!

Contact The Addison Dentist:

469-998-2515

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

4145 Belt Line Rd Ste 208
Addison, Texas
75001

 

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