Are Mouthwashes Necessary for Good Oral Health?

Maintaining good oral health is essential to avoid serious problems that can be costly and time-consuming to cure. These issues can be a huge hassle that can ruin your daily routine. If you need help with proper oral hygiene, a dentist in Zebulon can help you do that with regular checkups. You might be wondering if mouthwashes are required after all that flossing and brushing. Worry no more! We can answer your questions about using a mouthwash and help you decide if you need to include this as a part of your daily routine. 

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What Is a Mouthwash? 

Also known as an oral rinse, mouthwash is an antiseptic liquid product used to rinse your mouth and kill bacteria that can harm your oral health. This does not replace your flossing and brushing routine, as it can’t fully eliminate plaque and tartar buildup. Moreover, it does not strengthen your teeth and protect your gums against diseases unless appropriately used. There are two types of mouthwash; therapeutic mouthwash, which is used to minimize bacterial growth in your mouth, and cosmetic mouthwash, which intends to give you a fresher breath and a pleasant taste in your mouth. 

The common ingredients you should find in mouthwash are the following; 

  • Fluoride – to strengthen your teeth’ enamel and help fight tooth decay 
  • Cetylpyridinium chloride – to kill bacteria that causes bad breath 
  • Chlorhexidine – to reduce plaque and tartar buildup and prevent gingivitis from occurring 
  • Essential oils – some examples are peppermint and eucalyptus, which have antifungal and antibacterial properties that can protect your mouth and improve your breath 
  • Carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide – aids in whitening your teeth

How Does Mouthwash Work? 

It is recommended to use mouthwash after flossing and brushing your teeth. Most mouthwash brands provide a cup for you to use the exact amount, but the recommended amount ranges from three to five teaspoons per session. The ideal time for you to rinse your mouth is usually 30 seconds twice per day. You may swish and gargle while waiting for the recommended time to finish before spitting the mouthwash out. As you swish the mouthwash inside your mouth, the antibacterial ingredients can get in between your teeth and gums and kill the bacteria before it collects there.

The fluoride in the mouthwash also coats your teeth and absorbs them into the enamel, making your teeth more durable. Mouthwashes can hasten your healing from mouth sores and ulcers, but they can’t cure major oral health problems like gum disease and teeth cavities. It is best to consult a doctor when you already have these problems and plan to use mouthwash. While it is unnecessary to use mouthwash as part of your daily routine, it is better to experience a holistic clean and freshness in your mouth because mouthwash can give a good rinse after scraping all those particles and dirt. 

Dos And Don’ts for Using Mouthwash 

Mouthwash has a high concentration of alcohol, fluoride, and other antibacterial ingredients, making it unsafe to swallow because it could lead to nausea, intoxication, and other health hazards involving internal organs. This is precisely why it is declared that mouthwashes should not be used by children who are six years of age or below as they can accidentally ingest them. As for the children who can now use mouthwash, they should be guided by a parent or guardian as a safety precaution. It is also best to avoid rinsing for more than 30 seconds because the potent ingredients in your mouthwash can cause gum irritation, tooth discoloration, and alteration in taste. If any of these happen after rinsing, consult your dentist immediately.

It is also recommended that you consult a dentist before using mouthwash, especially if you already have existing health issues, such as diarrhea and cardiovascular diseases, to avoid complications.  Just because you are now doing three things during your daily oral hygiene, it does not mean you will neglect your regular visits to your dentist. Regular checkups will not only help you detect oral issues, but you can also know the correct type of mouthwash to use for your safety. You should also look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance when purchasing over-the-counter mouthwash to guarantee its safety and effectiveness. 

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Looking for a Dentist in Zebulon? 

At the Tryon Family Dentistry, we have been helping patients of all ages maintain their oral health in optimal condition with our quality checkups, cleaning, and other oral care services. Our experts can guarantee you the best results with our equipment and expertise. Contact us to book an appointment. 

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“Amazing office. The dentists here do great work. Replaced four of my front teeth with veneers and worked with me (for free) when the treatment plan didn’t go exactly as expected due to my chronic bruxism. They always explain what they’re doing, and why. I thoroughly trust this team with my dental care.”
- Jeff Wilson
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“I had neglected my dental care for over 20 years due to fear of the whole process. I took a leap of faith and went to this office and I am so glad I did. They understood my situation and moved forward without making me feel bad. It was an 8 month marathon of dental work. I had fillings, cleanings, wisdom teeth removed, an extraction and a wonderful implant put in. I was a hard patient to work with and the whole crew was nice to me every step of the way. Years from now when I still have my teeth I’ll have this place to thank. They fixed me up now and destroyed my fear of the dentist office for the future.”
- Jay P.
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“Another of our favorite patients, Jane, took the time to speak about our service and what it means to her. We truly do have the best patients and we very much appreciate each and every one of them.”
- Jane
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“I moved to Raleigh about one year ago due to work and decided to google a dental office near my apartment. I came upon Tryon Family Dentistry and because of the great reviews I decided to give it a shot. I’m so glad I went to this place because I LOVE it. Dr. Leo is great and is also very nice. Gloria usually does my teeth cleaning in which she is wonderful. She is nice, sweet and is always gentle. If you’re looking for a new dental office, give this place a chance and you will also come to love it!”
- Ger Vue
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“I have been going to Tryon Family Denistry for the past six years and I absolutely love it. The staff are always friendly and courteous. They engage in conversation so as to take your mind off what they are doing. Dr. Leo is awesome as well and has great beside manners. If you are looking for a great dentist office then look no further.”
- Kiawana Fulford
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“I just moved to the area and needed to find a new dentist. After looking through tons of reviews, I settled on this dentist, and after my visit decided that this place will be my new go-to! The doctor was fantastic. Was so thorough, took the time to explain to me what was going on with my teeth, always checking to make sure that I was doing okay, and was so friendly and caring. I would recommend them to anyone. I’ll be back.”
- Ashley K.
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