Get the facts on using mouthwash. They aren’t as cut and dry as you would think.

Mouthwash is probably part of your dental care routine already, but should it be? More and more, people worry that mouthwashes containing alcohol could have more risks than rewards. Here is what you need to know about mouthwash as part of your dental care routine.

What’s So Great About Mouthwash?

• Prevent cavities
  • Mouthwashes that contain fluoride do help reduce the number of cavities in dental patients that use mouthwash as a regular part of their dental care routine. Fluoride helps to reduce demineralization, or, the gradual loss of the minerals that help keep your teeth healthy, as well.
  • Fighting gum disease or periodontal diseases
    • Gingivitis and periodontal disease affects millions of Americans. As a result, tooth sockets and gums can suffer irritation from plaque, bacteria, and food that gets left behind after a brushing and flossing. Antibacterial mouthwashes used as part of a dental care routine can help to prevent periodontal disease altogether.
    • Soothe annoying canker sores
      • Mouthwash can help reduce the irritation you feel from canker sores in your mouth, as it reduces the number of bacteria present at the site.

What Isn’t So Great About Mouthwash?

• Hides bad breath
  • Wait a second, isn’t this a good thing? Bad breath can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t right in your mouth, and masking it with mouthwash can prevent the problem from getting treated immediately. If a person has poor dental hygiene, no amount of mouthwash can stop the decay or disease happening in their mouth. Think of mouthwash like perfume—if you haven’t showered in six months, it isn’t going to do a thing!
  • Can be correlated to oral cancer
    • A lot of the debate about whether alcohol-based mouthwashes are safe or not centers around the potential correlation with oral cancer. The link was first discovered in the 1970s, and since then public health experts and dentists have debated over whether or not the link is a correlation or causation. Make sure that your mouthwash is safe for you by always consulting with your dentist at Olney Dental.

You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Oral Surgery Needs

For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and Pinterest.