Basic Facts About Mouthwash

Mouthwash can be incorporated into your dental hygiene routine to help promote good breath, reduce the amount of plaque and bacteria in your mouth, and reduce your risk of periodontal disease and cavities. However, it’s important to note that new research on mouthwash containing alcohol suggests that it could have negative effects for your oral health, which could be rectified by switching to an alcohol-free mouthwash. Let’s talk about some basic mouthwash facts that you should know.

Mouthwash Facts

Using Mouthwash Can Improve Your Dental Health

Mouthwash can do a lot for your dental health. Using mouthwash can kill bacteria that cause plaque, tartar and bad breath, and can help you treat chronic bad breath as well. If you choose a mouthwash with fluoride, you can also reduce your risk of cavities and protect your enamel. In conjunction with brushing and flossing, mouthwash can loosen and remove food particles that are stuck in your teeth that contribute to bacteria buildup. Remember, however, that mouthwash can’t be used as a substitute for brushing and flossing.

Incorporating Mouthwash into Your Routine

If you want to incorporate mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine, talk to your dentist and ask which mouthwash is right for you. Sometimes dentists can prescribe mouthwashes that aren’t available over the counter and are designed for certain dental conditions, such as periodontal disease.

Alcohol in Mouthwash

Recently there has been some concern over the presence of alcohol in mouthwash. Alcohol is a drying agent, which means that while it kills odor-causing bacteria, it also promotes dry mouth in the long term, which aids in the growth of bacteria. In addition, some studies have made connections between the use of mouthwash with alcohol and an increased risk of oral cancer. There are mouthwashes available that do not contain alcohol. These alcohol-free mouthwashes may be a better and safer alternative. Your dentist can recommend a mouthwash for you that is safe and effective.

About Olney Dental

Olney Dental has been providing comprehensive dental care for residents of Olney and the surrounding area since 1985. We’re conveniently located on the campus of Montgomery General Hospital, and provide care for all ages for children to adults and seniors. We’re also independently owned by our dentists, which allows us be patient driven in our approach to dentistry. Your smiles make us smile! You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and YouTube.