Five Benefits Of Using Mouthwash For Daily Oral Care

Do you use a daily mouthwash as part of your oral hygiene routine? While most people assume that brushing and flossing are enough, did you know adding a mouthwash is an excellent addition to improve your dental health? In addition to freshening your breath, incorporating a fluoride mouthwash into your family's daily routine offers other advantages as well. Here are five reasons why your family should be using a daily oral rinse from our team of dental experts at Byers Station Dental of Chester Springs, PA.

What does mouthwash do?

There are two types of oral rinses: cosmetic and therapeutic. Cosmetic mouthwashes temporarily help with bad breath, leaving behind a pleasant minty sensation so your mouth feels and smells fresher. Therapeutic mouthwashes are available over-the-counter at your local drugstore or grocery store or by prescription, depending on the formulation. Therapeutic mouthwashes are generally more concentrated to fight plaque buildup, cavities, and boost your oral hygiene.

What are the benefits of mouthwash?

The primary purpose of using a mouthwash product is to have fresher breath, but have you ever wondered if it can help prevent tooth decay or gum disease? While most mouthwashes freshen bad breath, some can help reduce gingivitis and plaque buildup by reducing the risk of tooth decay. Here are some of the benefits of mouthwash:

1. Wash away particles while killing bacteria

Most people only use a mouthrinse when done brushing or flossing. However, there is a bonus to rinsing with a mouthwash after you eat. It helps clear away any loose food particles. You can protect your oral health throughout the day while leaving your mouth clean and fresh.

2. Reduce the risk of plaque buildup

There are specific therapeutic mouthwashes on the market that can help prevent plaque growth on your teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky substance that can accumulate on the surface and in the middle of teeth. Incorporating a daily mouthrinse can be another step in preventing plaque buildup for your dental health. However, a daily mouthrinse cannot help with a plaque that already exists so patients should make sure they brush and floss regularly.

3. Fight gum disease

Gum disease can cause red, tender, and swollen gums due to plaque buildup from food and bacteria left behind in your mouth. By regularly using an antibacterial or therapeutic mouthwash, you can be proactive in preventing this oral infection.

4. Reducing tooth decay

Using an oral rinse after brushing and flossing can help reduce the risk of developing cavities. Mouthwashes that contain fluoride can help strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent potential tooth decay. Before adding a daily mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine, check the label and make sure it contains fluoride.

5. Helps with canker sores

The most common reason to use a mouthwash is to have fresher breath. With regular use, an oral rinse can also help with canker sores. A canker sore is a type of ulcer in the mouth. With everyday use of a therapeutic mouthwash, it can help them heal quicker.

Are there any drawbacks to using a mouthwash?

There is no downside to adding a mouthwash to your daily dental routine. However, it should never replace brushing and flossing. Using a mouthrinse should be an additional step to ramp up your oral hygiene and keep your smile looking great. If you struggle with canker sores or dry mouth, you may want to choose an alcohol-free formula. Mouthwashes with an alcohol component can irritate open oral sores or be dehydrating. An oral rinse used once or twice a day can be an essential part of your daily practice to keep your smile looking great.

Are you thinking about adding a mouthwash to your oral care routine?

Should you add using a mouthrinse to your daily oral hygiene routine? The simple answer is yes. Mouthwash is an excellent dental tool to help your family achieve healthy gums and clean teeth. The correct way to add mouthwash into your oral hygiene regimen is to use it before or after brushing and flossing. If you'd like to learn more about what mouthwash you should consider or what brand your entire family should use, then contact Byers Station Dental in Chester Springs, PA, and schedule a consultation today.