When And How To Use Mouthwash | Fortson Dentistry

If you’re like many people, mouthwash usually sits beside your toothpaste waiting to be used when you randomly remember. Many people have no clue that it is a highly beneficial component of your dental health. Here are a few things you need to know about mouthwash including how to use it and why it sometimes burns.

Mouthwash fights against gum disease and cavities.

Rinsing with mouthwash gets rid of those germs that love to hang around on your teeth. Bacteria that are left on your teeth can turn to tooth decay. This can lead to gum disease and other infections. Mouthwash helps wash this bacteria away. Mouthwash with fluoride strengthens your teeth and helps with fighting cavities as it toughens up your enamel.

You cannot cure bad breath with mouthwash.

Taking a swig of your mouthwash may lead to a quick boost for your breath, but it won’t last forever. Mouthwash doesn’t cure your bad breath, but it will freshen it. Some causes of bad breath come from the stomach or the lungs, so mouthwash won’t help it. If this bad breath doesn’t go away, get it checked out by a dental professional.

Why does mouthwash burn?

Different types of mouthwash include different ingredients that may burn in your mouth. Some of these include alcohol that kills germs, but burns in your mouth. You shouldn’t use mouthwashes with alcohol for long periods of time or it could lead to oral health issues as it inhibits saliva production and can cause dry mouth. Some mouthwash includes essential oils with a menthol taste. Sometimes the high concentration of essential oils can also lead to burning. Others include hydrogen peroxide in place of alcohol. This is usually mild antiseptic, but it does cause irritation in some people.

You cannot replace brushing with mouthwash.

Mouthwash is a great addition to your oral care regimen. It cannot be the only part of it. This is because brushing your teeth and flossing are both crucial to your health as well. They help remove the food residue and additional plaque stuck in your teeth. A rinse cannot reach all of these areas or remove them like brushing and flossing can.

Pregnant women are encouraged to use mouthwash.

Some people wonder if mouthwash is okay for pregnant women because of some of its ingredients. Gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay may negatively impact pregnancy, so it’s actually encouraged to use mouthwash along with brushing. As long as the woman isn’t drinking the mouthwash, there shouldn’t be any health complications. Of course, we always recommended that you consult your dentist about your choice in mouthwash or any other oral health regimens you have questions about while pregnant.

Not all mouthwashes are created equal.

Read the label on your mouthwash because it might not contain the same ingredients as its competitors. There are antibacterial mouthwashes that are primarily good for killing bacteria and helping eliminate bad breath. Fluoride rinses help people that don’t use enough fluoride to strengthen their teeth and fight off bacteria. Prescription-strength mouthwashes are for people that have gum disease or gingivitis.

It’s important to rinse for at least 30 seconds.

It’s tough sometimes to rinse for 30 seconds or more, but it matters. Mouthwash burns to some people, but it won’t work well unless you rinse for a good amount of time. This means it’s working to kill germs and rinse away plaque.

Mouthwash could be the perfect addition to your oral health regimen if you use it wisely.

Mouthwash is good for you, but only if you use it correctly. Along with brushing and flossing, you should use a mouthwash that you’re comfortable with and aligns with your oral health goals. If a mouthwash burns or irritates your mouth, try another type. You must use it the correct way and in conjunction with a holistic oral health regimen in order to reap the benefits of mouthwash.

When to use mouthwash for maximum benefits.

It’s important to use mouthwash after eating and before bed. For each use you should swish the liquid in your mouth for about a minute. If you eat a meal with heavy odors, you should use mouthwash after eating. It’s best to also use mouthwash before bed to get rid of excess germs and bacteria before or after brushing. If you live in Metro Detroit and have questions about the best way use mouthwash in your oral health routine, please set up an appointment at one of our locations in Southeast Michigan.

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Fortson Dentistry’s staff provides high-quality dental services to our patients in Southeast Michigan from our five locations.