3 Mouthwash Secrets You Probably Don’t Know

Using mouthwash regularly is an excellent way to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong, but only if you use it properly. Here is the thing, there are many people who do not know how to properly use it. If you think you are using it the way it was meant to be, you will be surprised after reading what dentists at Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistry have to say.

All Mouthwashes Are Not Made Equal

• The benefits you get from a mouthwash largely depends on what type it is. They are classified as therapeutic and cosmetic. If you rinse your mouth with the cosmetic type, it will loosen food particles from your teeth, temporarily reduce bad breath, kill bacteria in your mouth, and will give you a refreshing taste.

Therapeutic rinses, on the other hand, have additional active ingredients added in them such as cetyl pyridinium chloride, essential oils, and chlorhexidine with fluoride. All of these are proven to not only reduce plaque but also help fight cavities. These carry with them the seal of approval from the American Dental Association.

• In other words, choose wisely!

Mouthwash is Completely Harmless

• You may think rinses are harmless, dentists believe otherwise. Did you know these products contain a high amount of alcohol in them? If you’ve ever felt having a dry mouth after using one regularly, this is why.

In some people, alcohol can also cause tooth sensitivity and other problems. So when you go out shopping for a mouthwash, try and get your hands on an alcohol-free one. You may still not be safe from the side effects since there are many other chemicals added to the product, but you’ll largely stay safe if you don’t excessively use these.

Mouthwash Can Never Replace Brushing

• A lot of people think that a quick swish of mouth rinse is enough to have healthy teeth and gums. The truth is nothing can beat brushing and flossing your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing do a better job of removing plaque and other food debris from your teeth.

Even research has proven that using only a mouthwash is not enough. The key is to combine all of the above to get the best out of oral care. And don’t forget, even if you follow good oral hygiene practices, there are still some hidden ways your teeth and gums can be exposed to certain problems and diseases.

• To keep your teeth and gums in perfect health, the American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist on a regular basis. By regular we do not mean going to the dental office every month – the best time to go to a dentist is at least every six months or when you suspect something is wrong with your teeth.

Conclusion

• Mouthwashes are great for killing bacteria, fixing the problem of bad breath, and maintaining good oral hygiene. However, you must never use these excessively and should never replace them completely with brushing and flossing.

If you suspect there is something wrong with your oral health, visit Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistry in Westmont, IL today for a quick check-up.