If you’ve ever walked the oral care aisles of any drugstore, 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?
I’m Doctor Ben Emery of Priority Dental in Casper. When my dental patients ask about mouthwash, I tell them that as long as they follow the instructions 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.
Many individuals wonder if daily mouthwash should be part of their dental routine. Brushing and flossing are the two critical habits that have the greatest influence on dental health, so if you’re doing these two things, is mouthwash necessary?
People 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 exacerbate bad breath. Mouthwashes without alcohol are generally more efficient for freshening breath. These products are typically called fluoride rinses.
If you have persistent bad breath, however, you should have your teeth analyzed 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 confirm the cause. Bad breath can be an indication of a physical condition, so see your physician 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 services, over-the-counter teeth whitening, sedation dentistry, invisible braces, pediatric dentistry, oral care habits, and more!
My practice, Priority Dental, provides quality dental care to our valued patients. If you are interested in making an appointment, please call us at 307-333-6285. A member of my convenience staff can answer any questions you have about our services.
Call today!
Contact Priority Dental:
307-333-6285
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1224 E. 2nd St.
Casper, Wyoming
82601