Most people are consistent about brushing their teeth daily. Still, a good smile cannot be sustained with just brushing. Your dental regimen should also incorporate other behaviors, such as flossing and mouthwash. You might ask our dental team: Is mouthwash essential if you want to keep your smile intact?
Daily mouthwash use will help you enjoy several advantages. The finest thing you can do is learn about mouthwash and other dental practices from a Show Low dentist so you can design the perfect dental regimen that helps you keep healthy teeth and gums.
Why use mouthwash?
Bacterial plaque is mostly responsible for milder forms of gum disease, periodontitis, and tooth damage (dental caries). Plaque can be eliminated with tools such as toothbrushes, interdental brushes, and dental floss. However, utilizing these instruments does not always prevent gingivitis or periodontitis.
Why? You might not be able to reach some tooth surfaces or not employ the instruments precisely. Some persons may have decreased dexterity, making using a toothbrush, interdental brush, or floss more difficult.
Along with brushing, using an antibiotic mouthwash can help lower bacterial plaque buildup. However, it does not follow the gum line and barely affects already-developed plaque. You should weigh the benefits and drawbacks before using mouthwash.
What are the Pros and Cons of Mouthwash
Understanding the advantages and drawbacks of mouthwash can assist you in determining whether or not it is required.
Pros of mouthwash:
- Freshen your Mouth: This clean sensation might feel reviving after a meal. Knowing that your foul breath isn’t upsetting anyone else will help you to relax.
- Reduce Bacteria: Most mouthwash formulations include alcohol or another agent to kill germs. Using mouthwash helps lower or eradicate mouth bacteria, preventing an acidic environment that fuels gum disease and tooth decay.
- Protection for Dental Conditions: If you have dental concerns, including a higher risk of decay or gum disease, including mouthwash in your daily regimen can be an extra step to avoid future problems. Your dentist may suggest specific mouthwash as part of your at-home treatment strategy.
Cons of mouthwash:
- Not a Replacement for Brushing: Some people cut back on brushing, believing they have enough mouthwash. Although mouthwash gives a freshening feeling, it does not provide the same advantages as brushing.
- Causes of Irritation: Mouthwashes with high alcohol content could irritate the soft tissue of the mouth and gums. Is alcohol mouthwash bad? Not exactly. Just be careful not to overuse it since very concentrated alcohol can irritate tissues.
- Burning Sensation: The burning sensation can make it challenging to keep mouthwash in your mouth for a long period. Is mouthwash supposed to burn? Although a tingling or burning sensation is somewhat normal, it shouldn’t be uncomfortable.
- Not Safe for Consumption: Never swallow mouthwash. Children should not have mouthwash around them since its components could be harmful if taken by mistake.
Conclusion
Consistent, accurate, competent use of a toothbrush and interproximal brushes is not replaceable for eliminating plaque and stopping gum disease. If performed precisely and consistently, brushing and interproximal (between the teeth) will nearly always avoid gum disease. Mouthrinse hardly comes close by comparison. However, there are times when mouth rinses would be suitable—such as following tooth extractions or oral surgery or for those with dry mouths and those more likely to develop dental rot.
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