Mouthwash can be hugely beneficial to maintaining your oral health. However, you may be surprised to learn just how many common misconceptions there are floating around about your average mouth rinse! To ensure you’re getting the most out of this element of your daily dental hygiene routine, be sure to check out these five mouthwash facts.
1. Mouthwash does not cure bad breath.
Contrary to popular belief, mouthwash is not a cure-all for halitosis. Mouthwash may certainly help to reduce bad breath, but the solution is not typically long-term. This is because halitosis can actually be caused by a number of issues—from gastroesophageal reflux disease to periodontitis—while mouthwash only kills the odor-causing bacteria in the mouth. Therefore, if you have persistent halitosis that isn’t resolved by your dental hygiene routine, be sure to discuss the matter with your dentist.
2. Mouthwash can help to protect you from serious oral health issues.
Mouthwash is an excellent addition to any dental hygiene routine. Not only does it kill odor-causing bacteria, but it also helps to ward off infection before it can begin! Mouthwash kills the bacteria that can lead to gingivitis—an infection of the gums that can progress to gum disease if left untreated. It can also fight off harmful plaque, strengthen your teeth, and demineralize your dental enamel in order to help prevent tooth decay.
3. Mouthwash cannot, however, replace brushing and flossing your teeth.
While your mouth rinse can certainly improve your oral health, it is no replacement for these critical elements of your dental hygiene routine. Without brushing and flossing, you’ll have a difficult time removing the plaque and food particles that can otherwise cause harm to your teeth and gums. Therefore, make sure mouthwash is only a supplement to your thorough dental hygiene routine.
4. Not all mouthwashes are created equal.
Thankfully, there are a variety of mouthwashes to choose from depending on your oral health needs. For example, if you’d like to protect your teeth from bad breath and plaque buildup, you might consider a standard antibacterial mouthwash. On the other hand, if you’re prone to cavities, you might consider using a fluoride rinse. Your dentist can also prescribe rinses if you’re suffering from gingivitis or gum disease.
5. You can use mouthwash when you’re pregnant—in fact, it is encouraged!
Women are often prone to periodontal issues during their pregnancy—this is referred to as “pregnancy gingivitis.” Unfortunately, if left untreated, pregnancy gingivitis can lead to more severe health issues that could actually cause complications like premature birth. Therefore, it is important to take extra care of your oral health during your pregnancy. If you’re pregnant, be sure to discuss your options with your dentist!
Want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to protect your oral health? We can help! Call Anew Dental & Orthodontics in Plainfield to schedule your next routine check-up.