Mouthwash promises to prevent cavities, kill germs that cause plaque and gingivitis, prevent tartar buildup, calm down sensitive teeth and gums, and/or freshen your breath.
And for the most part, mouthwash does deliver on these promises. But – unless your dentist advises you to use a rinse - you don’t have to swish with mouthwash to have a healthy mouth.
In fact, if you do find that you are relying on mouthwash (or any breath-freshening product) consistently to try and beat back bad breath, it’s time to go to the dentist and have a checkup.
But for those with healthy teeth and mouths, a mild mouthwash that doesn't contain alcohol or strong antibacterial agents is probably your best choice. ... “You don't need mouthwash, but if you enjoy it, or you have bad breath and feel it helps, then there's no substantiated risks to rinsing once or twice a day Mouthwash promises to prevent cavities, whiten your teeth, kill germs that cause plaque and gingivitis, prevent tartar buildup, calm down sensitive teeth and gums, and/or freshen your breath. ... But – unless your dentist advises you to use a rinse - you don't have to swish with mouthwash to have a healthy mouth.
Alcohol-free mouthwash helps maintain the natural balance of saliva that is necessary to flush out bacteria. ... While alcohol-based mouthwashes are not recommended for children, diabetics and people undergoing chemotherapy, alcohol-free mouthwash can be used safely with these groups.
Most brands of mouthwash recommend that you use the product twice in a 24-hour period after first brushing your teeth. It's important to swish the mouthwash around for about 30 seconds so that it can reach all areas of the mouth, including all of your teeth, the gums, the roof of the mouth, and the tongue.
There are two basic kinds of mouthwashes, the kind that just temporarily freshens your breath (cosmetic) and the kind that addresses oral health problems (therapeutic).
Rinsing your mouth with a liquid is a good way to free food debris from between your teeth and your dental nooks and crannies. You can get the same benefits from a rinse with plain water, but mouthwash will likely at least have a refreshing taste. But remember that flossing properly will always be more effective than rinsing your mouth.
Therapeutic mouthwashes include those with ingredients that are intended to kill bacteria. Your dentist may advise you to use these if you have an oral infection or if you’ve just had dental work such as a tooth extraction.
Prolonged use of mouthwash is perhaps not recommended by dentist as it may lead to tooth staining.
