Does Mouthwash Really Work?

Oral hygiene is critical to your overall health and there are many ways to maintain your oral health.

Everyone knows they should brush and floss daily but what else can you do?

One of the most common suggestions is to start using mouthwash.

It has many benefits and yes, mouthwash does really work!

Fresh Breath

One of the main reasons many people reach for the mouthwash is because it is an easy way to get fresh breath with minimal effort.

Just swish some liquid around in your mouth and your breath is now minty fresh!

Depending on the mouthwash, this fresh feeling could end up lasting for a few hours.

It is important to consider the reasons behind your bad breath.

If you simply want to mask or eliminate odors from food and drinks, simple mouthwash is a good product to use.

If you are fighting the symptoms of halitosis, plaque, or gingivitis, mouthwash can be a great additive to dental treatments and should be used at the advice of your dental care provider.

If fresh breath is your primary reason for using mouthwash, considering one of the alcohol-free options that isn’t as drying to your mouth.

Whitening

Mouthwash can help whiten your teeth as well!

Using mouthwash is an easy way to get whitening agents onto all the surfaces of your teeth.

Natural whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide are used in many mouthwashes.

They are used in a safe dosage to ensure your tooth enamel is whitened but not damaged and can have a very effective bleaching effect, especially when used in conjunction with other teeth whitening products.

Plaque and Gingivitis Fighting

Another good reason to use mouthwash is its ability to deliver plaque fighting agents directly to gum surfaces.

Liquids are able to touch all the surfaces they need to much easier than brushing alone.

Plaque is one of the many reasons for bad breath and any agents that can help fight plaque definitely work to eliminate bad breath odor.

Do your research and check with your dentist for the best mouthwash to use if your goal is to help fight plaque and bad breath.

Gums and tooth pockets can become inflamed and gingivitis can develop if these symptoms aren’t treated expediently.

Some of the bacteria that cause gingivitis can be taken care of by simply swishing some mouthwash once or twice a day.

Cavities

Some people tend to miss the crevices at the top and bottom of their teeth, where cavities have a tendency to form.

While the best way to prevent cavities is really brush these areas well, mouthwash can help if used regularly.

Cavities form when bacteria gets trapped in the crevices on your tooth enamel and wears into the enamel.

Mouthwash can get rid of the bacteria, leaving your teeth clean and healthy.

Your dental health is important and doing anything you can to maintain a healthy mouth is good!

Is it time for your next checkup? Contact us today to get it set up!

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