Should I Use Mouthwash?

The average dental routine is as follows: floss, brush and rinse with mouthwash. Get into the habit of rinsing your mouth with mouthwash and you will feel as though something is missing if you forget to swish it around before heading off to work or to bed for the night. Though mouthwash tastes refreshing and feels healthy, the question begs: is mouthwash really necessary to maintain oral health?

Mouthwash Prevents Tooth Decay

When properly used, mouthwash combats tooth decay as well as oral diseases. Mouthwash with fluoride helps prevent the onset of cavities. Furthermore, mouthwash combats halitosis. This point should not be overlooked as studies show upwards of half the country's population has bad breath.

The Many Different Types of Mouthwashes

Whitening mouthwashes whiten the teeth thanks to their bleaching agent, commonly called hydrogen peroxide. It removes stains and whitens teeth quite effectively. Other mouthwashes are classified as fluoride rinses as they protect against tooth decay with Sodium Fluoride. There are also cosmetic mouthwashes that are not always effective at combating germs in the mouth yet they certainly make the mouth feel and smell fresh. Cosmetic mouthwashes are not ideal as they merely temporarily cover up the odor in the mouth rather than eliminating the bacteria that cause halitosis in the first place. Finally, there is a desensitizing mouthwash on the market that reduces tooth sensitivity. This reduction in sensitivity is attributable to the fact that this mouthwash has Arginine that seals the uber-sensitive dentinal tubules.

Mouthwash is Also Effective at Fighting Gum Disease

Plaque will gradually build up on the teeth as a result of an accumulation of food particles and bacteria. Gums and tooth sockets can be inflamed and infected when they are not properly treated. The subsequent result is a periodontal disease.

Mouthwash can Even Soothe Canker Sores and Ulcers

If you have an ulcer or canker sore in your mouth, it will certainly help to use mouthwash to detox these problem areas. Mouthwash will decrease the number of bacteria that will irritate the site in question. This reduction in bacteria will help eliminate those pesky canker sores and ulcers. Use mouthwash after flossing and brushing and you will find your canker sores dissipate in due time.

Mouthwash is Also Good for Pregnant Women

Medical researchers have determined hormonal changes can increase the risk for gingivitis. Pregnant women are at an especially high risk for gingivitis while carrying a fetus. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports bacterial infections that lead to serious gum disease often cause low infant birth weight and/or premature delivery.

Why Some Refuse to use Mouthwash

Surf the web for information about mouthwash and you will find some people are against its use. Mouthwash contains alcohol that has the potential to cause tooth sensitivity after dissolving the layer of mucus on the teeth that serves as a protective barrier. Some claim mouthwash can contribute to oral cancer yet this claim has not been proven.

In the end, the advantages of mouthwash outweigh the disadvantages. If you have any concerns about the alcohol in mouthwash, raise them with your dentist just to make sure the brand you select will truly enhance your oral health.

For more information call MVP Family Dental at (215) 892-1438.