Is Mouthwash Part of Your Daily Oral Hygiene Regimen?
Studies continue to show that far too many of us neglect at least one element of our dental hygiene regimen. Dentists and researchers have long recommended a regular oral hygiene regimen that includes daily brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use, as well as scheduled visits to the dentist for checkups and maintenance treatment. And while there’s a great deal of attention devoted to urging Americans to brush, floss, and visit the dentist, there often seems to be less focus on the importance of mouth rinses. Unfortunately, if you’re not regularly using an antibacterial mouth rinse, your teeth and gums could suffer.
Why Use Mouthwash Anyway?
It’s common for many people to think of mouthwash as little more than a breath freshener. While it can perform that role admirably, it does so much more. In fact, it can be as critical as flossing when it comes to reaching those hard-to-reach places in the mouth that your brush simply cannot manage. If you’re just brushing and flossing, rest assured that there are places where plaque and debris are thriving without interference.
Types of Mouthwash and Their Benefits
There are two types of mouth rinse available on the market today. One is almost completely cosmetic and provides little to no protection for the teeth and gums. The other is a therapeutic rinse that has results that can last.
A good example of cosmetic rinses would be one of the many products out there that address bad breath on a temporary basis. These products typically have mint or other pleasant flavors, and will make your breath smell better for a time. They do not, however, contain the antibacterial compounds necessary for killing the bacteria that cause bad breath. Because they lack those therapeutic compounds, those cosmetic rinses are useless for meeting your oral hygiene goals.
The therapeutic mouth rinses contain antibacterial compounds that can kill the bad bacteria in your mouth. That not only reduces the effects of bad breath, but can also help you control plaque and tooth decay, and fight off conditions like gingivitis. In addition, some mouth rinses – particularly the alcohol-free variety – can help to control xerostomia, a dry mouth condition that can reduce the saliva you need to naturally control bacteria in the mouth.
Caveats to Remember
As with any other aspect of dental care, it is important to consult with your dentist when choosing the right mouth rinse for your needs. You should also be sure to use the rinse as instructed, and avoid overuse. Finally, you must always remember that mouth rinse is an important component of your dental hygiene program, but it should never be used in place of brushing and flossing. Every component of your hygiene regimen is essential for dental success.
At Ebenezer dental, we can provide you with the critical help you need when crafting your dental hygiene plan. If you’re interested in learning more about the type of mouthwash you need to protect your teeth and gums, then call the best dentist in Midtown Manhattan today to schedule your next appointment.