If you brush your teeth well, twice a day, and floss daily, mouthwash is not strictly necessary. However, most dentists highly recommend adding mouthwash to your morning and evening routine.
While not a replacement for daily brushing and flossing, use of mouthrinse (also called mouthwash) may be a helpful addition to the daily oral hygiene routine for some people. Like interdental cleaners, mouthrinse offers the benefit of reaching areas not easily accessed by a toothbrush.
Mouthwash is not necessary for your oral health. It's not a substitute for brushing and flossing, and if you brush at least twice a day for two minutes and you floss once a day, chances are that using mouthwash regularly will not make a huge difference.
If you have cavities or are at a high risk of contracting gum diseases, your dentist may recommend an antibacterial mouthwash. Mouth rinses with fluoride can also help ward off tooth decay.
The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs' Acceptance of Listerine Antiseptic is based on its finding that the product is safe and has shown efficacy in helping to prevent and reduce gingivitis (and plaque above the gumline), when used as directed.
Beyond these conditions, studies by BioMed Research International suggest alcohol free mouthwashes have a better effect on the gloss, colour, hardness and wear of tooth composite restorations compared to mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
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Using a mouthwash that contains fluoride can help prevent tooth decay, but don't use mouthwash (even a fluoride one) straight after brushing your teeth or it'll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste left on your teeth. Choose a different time to use mouthwash, such as after lunch.
Mouthwash can be used every day if instructed by your dentist. However, make sure to also follow the instructions on your specific product, including how often to use it and how much to use.
In addition to brushing and flossing daily, using mouthwash everyday needs to become part of the routine to ensure optimal oral health. Mouthwash will further supplement the daily dental routine to prevent and/or reduce harmful oral bacteria while maintaining a fresh feel and smell to the mouth.
Three-Ingredient Mouthwash
1 cup of filtered water. 1 teaspoon of baking soda. 3 drops of peppermint essential oil.
In general, people should use mouthwash two times per day: once in the morning and once in the evening after cleaning the teeth. However, if someone does not carry a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss around to clean teeth after each meal, rinsing with mouthwash is certainly better than doing nothing.
So, Does Brand Really Matter? Not really. While every brand has its own variation, the formulas for many mouthwashes and mouth rinses use the same ingredients to accomplish their goals. The difference between the brands often comes down to taste and whether they include alcohol.
For plaque control, look for mouthwashes that are antimicrobial, antiseptic, or germ-fighting. These contain ingredients like cetylpyridinium, chlorhexidine, or essential oils. “They kill the bacteria that cause plaque to build along the gum line that leads to tartar buildup and gum disease,” says Dr. Golpa.
Savacol is excellent for short term use. It allows rapid healing of most infective injuries. Long term use is not usually possible due to eventual unpleasant side effects such as temporary loss of taste and temporary staining of your teeth.
Colgate Total Pro-Shield is a good choice for reducing plaque buildup and for keeping breath fresh. It kills germs for up to 12 hours, even after eating meals. This mouthwash is a good choice for eliminating the germs and bacteria that cause gingivitis, which can lead to periodontitis and receding gums.
Research shows that antimicrobial LISTERINE® mouthwash kills oral bacteria within 30 seconds for a difference you will notice with continued use. In fact, the bacteria in plaque and saliva samples were killed within 30 seconds of coming into contact with LISTERINE® rinse.
Studies by the Journal of Conservative Dentistry and the International Journal of Dentistry suggest alcohol-free mouthwashes have a better effect on the color, hardness, and wear of tooth composite restorations compared to mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
Alcohol free mouthwash aids saliva production instead of inhibiting it--this helps your mouth naturally flush out bacteria. Switching to alcohol free mouthwash could save you from dry mouth and an imbalance of bacteria in your mouth resulting in bad breath.
Aside from alcohol, studies also show that commercially available mouthwashes have low PH level or are highly acidic with acid levels that are almost the same as your household vinegar. This compounds the deleterious effect of the alcohol in your mouthwash by hastening the erosion of your tooth enamel.
Use a mouth rinse before bed
For an added boost to oral health, consider using a mouthwash or rinse before bed. A rinse will help to remove bacteria from your mouth and can effectively help prevent cavities.