Mouthwash is an excellent addition to any dental hygiene routine. Not only does it help you to fight bad breath, but it can also kill the bacteria that otherwise leads to tooth decay and gingivitis as well. However, there are certain things to be aware of before you begin using mouthwash. Before adding mouthwash to your daily routine, check out these five important facts.
1. Mouthwash does not always cure bad breath.
Mouthwash is great for temporarily reducing bad breath, particularly when the cause of your halitosis is the odor-causing bacteria that lingers in your mouth. However, unpleasant breath is not always simply a result of something you’ve eaten. In fact, halitosis can be symptomatic of an underlying health issue, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease. In these cases, mouthwash cannot reach the source of the odor. This means that mouthwash may mask the bad breath with a minty fresh smell, but it does not cure the problem. If you notice your bad breath does not subside for long after using mouthwash, you should consider discussing the issue with your doctor.
2. Not all mouthwashes are created equal.
When purchasing your mouthwash, be certain to buy a product that suits your specific needs! If you struggle with plaque build-up, for example, antibacterial mouthwash may be the answer. Should you need to boost your fluoride intake in order to prevent gum disease or tooth decay, a fluoride rinse may be the mouthwash you’re looking for. Your dentist may even give you a prescription for certain mouth rinses to fight gingivitis. All in all, mouth wash can be a great tool to boost your oral health in addition to fighting bad breath.
3. Mouthwash is not a replacement for brushing.
While mouthwash can be an excellent addition to any oral healthcare regimen, it is not a sufficient replacement for brushing and flossing. When it comes to removing sticky plaque from the surfaces of your teeth, brushing and flossing are unmatched. That said, rinsing with mouthwash is an excellent means for killing any remaining bacteria that may have been missed during the brushing and flossing process.
4. Keep mouthwash away from young children.
It is important that you do not give mouthwash to children under the age of 6. Young children do not quite grasp how to properly rinse and spit the mouthwash. This can ultimately cause them to get upset stomachs. Therefore, it is best to just help them with thorough brushing and flossing during their earlier years.
5. There are certain side effects of using mouthwash to be aware of.
There are a few minor side effects to know before using mouthwash. First, with alcohol-based mouth rinses, you will experience a burning sensation in the mouth, gums, and cheeks. That said, there are alcohol-free rinses available if this is a problem. These work just as well, as alcohol is not the active ingredient in mouthwash. You may also develop sores, mouth ulcers, or increased sensitivity. Should this occur, you should discontinue your usage of the mouth rinse and schedule a visit with your dentist.
Another way to improve your oral health is to schedule routine visits to your dentist every six months! To book your next appointment, contact Manus Dental in Hyde Park, Lake Zurich, and Yorkville today.