If you’ve ever visited a grocery store dental aisle, you know that there are many different types of mouthwash. Some tout their germ-killing abilities, others emphasize their fluoride content, and some claim to whiten teeth while freshening the breath. These are all great benefits, but will they help meet your oral care needs?
Many men and women wonder if daily mouthwash should be part of their dental routine. Brushing and flossing are the two vital habits that have the most significant influence on dental health, so if you’re doing these two things, is mouthwash required?
I’m Dentist Trey Carico of Chattanooga Center for Comprehensive Dentistry in Chattanooga. When my dental patients ask about mouthwash, I tell them that as long as they follow the instructions for use on the bottle, mouthwash may slightly benefit dental health, even if it doesn’t live up to every promise as advertised. Rinsing with a mouthwash that contains fluoride can’t hurt your teeth, but allowing a bit of diluted toothpaste to stay on tooth surfaces after brushing probably has the same effect.
Men and women who suffer from bad breath often believe that mouthwash can solve the issue. Actually, mouthwashes that contain alcohol can worsen the problem because they can cause dry mouth—a condition that can contribute to bad breath. Mouthwashes without alcohol are ordinarily more efficient for freshening breath. These products are frequently called fluoride rinses.
If you have persistent bad breath, however, you should have your teeth checked for plaque build-up. No amount of mouthwash can remedy a mouth full of plaque. If your teeth and gums are healthy and you still suffer from bad breath, it’s important to know the cause. Bad breath can be an indication of a physical condition, so see your doctor soon.
Bottom line? Never substitute mouthwash for proper brushing and flossing. And if you use mouthwash, elect a brand that contains fluoride and no alcohol.
We like to tackle critical issues such as dental products, cosmetic dentistry procedures, over-the-counter teeth whitening, sedation dentistry, invisible braces, oral care habits, and more!
My practice, Chattanooga Center for Comprehensive Dentistry, provides unmatched dental care to our valued patients. If you are interested in making an appointment, please call us. A member of my staff can answer any questions you have about our services.
Contact Chattanooga Center for Comprehensive Dentistry:
423-756-1540
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
830 Cherokee Blvd,
Chattanooga, Tennessee
37405
