The Benefits of Mouthwash

Brushing and flossing are great for your teeth, but is there more? Let’s talk about the benefits of mouthwash and why it can be a great addition to your oral home care routine. Here are 5 benefits of mouthwash and why they matter.

1. It Freshens Your Breath

This is probably the most common reason that many people use mouthwash. Mouthwash is super refreshing and leaves your breath smelling great. Fresh breath is important for making a good impression whether you’re chatting with a client for business or meeting a date for dinner or drinks.

2. It Washes Away Plaque and Food Debris

More than just making your mouth feel and smell fresh, mouthwash actually helps to clean your teeth and mouth by washing away plaque and food debris. Mouthwash is a great last step after brushing and flossing in the morning, but it can also be used as a stand-in that you can keep in your purse or bag when you’re unable to get to a sink to brush your teeth after a meal. Mouthwash doesn’t replace the cleaning power of brushing and flossing, so it’s still just as important to brush your teeth as soon as possible after you eat.

3. It Adds Fluoride

Some mouthwashes contain fluoride, so be sure to check the active ingredients label if you’re looking for the benefits of mouthwash that you can get from added fluoride. Fluoride is useful for fighting decay and preventing cavities because it works to remineralize and protect your teeth. If you suffer from tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods or sweets, fluoride may help for this same reason.

4. It Kills Bacteria

Many mouthwashes contain antiseptic ingredients that work to help you fight bacteria. Did you know that there are billions of bacteria in your mouth and that bacteria in your mouth is what causes bad breath, cavities and gum disease? Your saliva naturally fights that bacteria, but sometimes the food and drinks that we consume, especially sugary or acidic ones, can throw off the delicate pH balance leading to the bacteria that causes these problems having the upper hand, and your body needs some help fighting to restore balance.

5. It Reduces Inflammation

Because mouthwash helps to fight bacteria, it can also help to reduce inflammation in your gums and the rest of your mouth. Inflammation may be caused by neglect of oral hygiene or irritation from dental appliances like dental bridges, braces or retainers because they can be prone to attracting and holding bacteria in places that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush and floss. Mouthwash can help to reduce this bacteria and the resulting inflammation.

Talk to Your Dentist

If you’re considering using mouthwash, it’s a good time to talk to your dentist about the benefits of mouthwash and which kind might most benefit you. Your dentist can help you determine which ingredients to look for to best address your needs and compliment your oral hygiene routine.

Call our Round Rock Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.