If you’ve ever perused the dental care aisle of a grocery store, 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 important habits that have the most significant effect on dental health, so if you’re doing these two things, is mouthwash needed?
I’m Dr. Harris of Harris Dental in Phoenix. 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 effect.
Individuals who suffer from bad breath often believe that mouthwash can solve the problem. 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 commonly more powerful for freshening breath. These products are commonly called fluoride rinses.
If you have severe bad breath, however, you should have your teeth checked 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 know 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, select a brand that contains fluoride and no alcohol.
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