Do you really need mouthwash? If you're not sure whether to add this extra step to your at-home oral care routine, take a look at what you need to know about mouthwash and dental health.
What Is Mouthwash?
You've seen mouthwash advertisements, browsed the products on store shelves, or maybe even used a bottle (or a few). But what is mouthwash? Mouthwash, or mouth rinse, is:
- A liquid. Mouthwashes and rinses are liquid dental products. While each brand may have its own directions for use, all require you to swish or move the liquid around your mouth.
- Cosmetic or therapeutic. Cosmetic mouthwash products may cover bad breath (temporarily) or provide a fresh taste. Therapeutic rinses are used to control bacteria and the spread of oral infections, including gingivitis and dental decay.
- A way to clean in between the teeth. While it may not provide the same level of cleaning power as floss, mouthwash and rinses can still help to clean in between your teeth (in the places brushing may miss).
Mouthwash products are available in various types and flavors. If you're not sure which wash or rinse to choose, or which ingredients to look for, discuss the options with your dentist.
Is Mouthwash a Necessary Part of At-Home Care?
While you can add mouthwash into your at-home oral care routine, you don't have to. Healthy home dental care should include:
- Tooth brushing at least twice a day. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing at least twice a day for two minutes each time.
- Dental floss use. When you brush, use floss to remove debris and other particles from in between the teeth and along the gumline.
- Tooth brushing after meals. Along with morning and nighttime brush sessions, brush your teeth after eating meals or drinking sugary beverages. This reduces the risk of decay development.
If you choose to use mouthwash, you still need to continue these at-home dental care activities - along with regular dental office visits. In a pinch, you can swish with a mouthwash product instead of brushing or flossing. Even though this shouldn't repeatedly substitute a rinse for a brush, mouthwash can remove some debris when you're on the go.
What Is the Difference Between Store-Bought and Prescription Mouthwash?
Most mouthwash products on store shelves are cosmetic rinses. These items cover odors or foul tastes with a chemical or natural flavoring. Even though they may make your mouth taste clean, without an active ingredient that kills microorganisms, the rinse won't remove the risk of infection or decay.
Dental patients who need a stronger mouthwash that treats or prevents potentially serious infection need a prescription product. The dentist may prescribe a therapeutic mouthwash (such as chlorhexidine mouthwash) if you:
- Need oral surgery. The dentist may prescribe a therapeutic mouthwash for post-surgical infection prevention or control.
- Have gum disease. Along with brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, a prescription-strength therapeutic mouthwash may help to reduce the severity of gum disease.
- Recently had a deep cleaning procedure. The dentist may prescribe a therapeutic mouthwash to reduce the risk of infection or prevent the recurrence of decay after a root planning and scaling.
While a flavored wash won't add to your dental health, a store-bought product with active ingredients such as fluoride or peroxide can. These ingredients can reduce oral bacteria and decrease the risks of decay or gum disease. If you want a therapeutic mouthwash but don't need a prescription-strength product, ask your dentist what the best over-the-counter options are.
Along with at-home dental care, regular dentist office visits can help you to maintain a healthy mouth. Do you need a dental appointment? Contact
Advanced Dental Care
for more information.
