When it comes to your oral health, knowing when and how to use mouthwash in your daily hygiene routine is crucial. Please continue reading to learn how to correctly rinse your mouth using this solution and why connecting with our determined general dentistry/dentists located in Basking Ridge & Morristown, NJ is in your best interest to maintain your oral health.
What is a Mouthwash?
Mouthwash, also known as an oral rinse, is a concentrated solution that contains antibacterial or antiseptic properties used to clean your teeth, gums, and mouth. Essentially, it is used to eliminate harmful bacteria that live in between your teeth and on your tongue. Some people primarily use mouthwash to fight against bad breath, however, adding it to your daily oral care can provide numerous benefits, including preventing tooth decay. Nevertheless, mouthwash doesn’t replace brushing or flossing your teeth in terms of oral hygiene. It’s only effective when used correctly.
While there is no clear-cut guideline for when to use mouthwash, it won’t work to strengthen your tooth enamel or fight gum disease unless you use it right after brushing or flossing. For optimal results, your teeth should be freshly cleaned before using mouthwash. Generally, you should use it twice per day.
Furthermore, it’s important to note the differences between a medicated and a commercial mouthwash. A medicated mouthwash is prescribed to an individual to treat specific oral health issues such as gum disease. They often contain strong antibacterial agents like chlorhexidine will can help regenerate the oral biome. However, it should only be used for a limited period following instruction by a dental professional. A commercial mouthwash, on the other hand, is a readily available, over-the-counter product. It’s primarily used for freshening breath and typically contains milder ingredients like fluoride for cavity prevention. Ultimately, medicated mouthwashes are for therapeutic purposes whereas commerical mouthwashes are more cosmetic.
How to Use It Correctly?
Unfortunately, germs can colonize many surfaces in your mouth like your teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue. Food particles often get stuck in hard-to-reach places, like crevices between teeth and the back of the mouth. This can cause germs to multiply. It reaches places that your toothbrush and floss may miss. It can help remove bacteria as it prevents plaque from building up.
The American Dental Association (ADA) advises on how to properly use mouthwash for the best results. First, you should thoroughly brush and floss your teeth. If you are brushing with fluoride toothpaste, wait a little while before using your mouthwash. The mouthwash may wash away the concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste. You should always choose an ADA-approved mouthwash. This ensures it has been tested and is proven safe and effective. From here, you should pour the oral rinse into the cup provided with the product. You should only use as much mouthwash as the product instructs. It’s usually around 3 to 5 teaspoons.
After you have measured the correct amount of the product, you should empty the cup into your mouth and swish it around. Make sure you don’t swallow the solution as it’s not meant for ingestion. While you are rinsing, you should gargle it for 30 seconds. Then you should spit the mouthwash out.
If you are experiencing bad breath or suspect you may have gum disease, mouthwash won’t alleviate the underlying causes. Schedule an appointment with the team at Dental Associates of Basking Ridge, who can address any of your concerns and find the right treatment given the unique circumstances of your oral health condition.
