Is Mouthwash Really Necessary In Your Oral Regimen?
It just takes one quick rinse: mouthwash advertisements have always said that mouthwash is an essential part of your oral care regimen. Well, yes, mouthwash helps to eradicate 99% of germs that it claims to kill. Yet, it should complement the prescribed oral care and not replace your regular brushing and flossing practices.
But with so many mouthwash brands that tap on different ingredients, it’s natural to get lost in the array of mouthwash products on the grocery store aisles. So to equip you in elevating your oral health, here’s all you need to know about mouthwash! From understanding why many choose it, to the necessary precautions in taking it, there is a lot more to mouthwashes than what advertisements can convey.
Why many choose to use mouthwash
Whether it’s to start your mornings right, or to prepare yourself for an important business meeting, attaining that clean and fresh mouth is always guaranteed with the use of mouthwash. That’s because of the active ingredients in the mouthwash, which helps to eliminate bacteria and bad breath almost instantly.
Apart from that, mouthwashes also play a role in keeping oral problems like gingivitis, tooth decay, and dental plaque, at bay. One key mouthwash ingredient that many people look out for is fluoride. Fluoride is said to offer an added benefit because it helps to reduce the development of cavities.
These advantages are what drives many to add mouthwashes into their grocery baskets – not only can cavities or bad breath be uncomfortable, but it can get in your way of a productive day.
How mouthwash can be misused
Mouthwash advertisements are usually capped at thirty seconds, focusing on how a single rinse can eliminate 99% of any odour-causing germs. While this is true, you’d need to practice a couple of habits before taking the rinse.
To get more beauty sleep in the morning, most people fall into the trap of opting out of brushing their teeth. As a result, there is a tendency to over-rely on the antiseptic qualities of the mouthwash. However, this does not help your oral health because gargling mouthwash is not enough. Mouthwash liquid can’t get rid of the plaque that has built upon the surface of your tooth enamel, and definitely wouldn’t be able to dislodge the leftover food particles that are stuck in the crevices of your mouth.
When plaque and food particles are left to rot away, they can become the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to cause bad breath and even a plethora of gum or teeth problems. So before you take some mouthwash liquid, always make it a point to brush and floss during your oral routine.
The arguments surrounding mouthwashes and their efficacy
While some swear by mouthwashes in helping with their oral hygiene, others feel strongly against its use. The motivations are often varied, with the most common argument claiming that mouthwashes do more harm than good since it masks underlying oral problems.
One of the main benefits of using mouthwashes is that it gives you a fresher breath instantly. But the caveat is that it can mask underlying oral problems, which manifest through bad breath. This, in turn, makes the identification and diagnosis of these dental problems quite difficult.
As such, some people claim that mouthwashes are ineffective solutions since it aggravates a bad breath. Most mouthwashes list alcohol as part of their main ingredients. Yes, alcohol gets rid of oral bacteria that cause bad breath. But it is equally important to understand that this ingredient is also a drying agent; too much intake can cause bad breath.
How to choose the right mouthwash
Having to pick one mouthwash bottle from the many available choices can be overwhelming. One tip to take home a mouthwash that is effective and complements your existing oral care regimen is to look for one that is alcohol-free.
You’re in luck because most manufacturers indicate the presence of this ingredient on their packaging, regardless of its concentration. An added tip: make it a point to check the ingredient list on the label – sometimes, alcohol is listed more specifically as ethanol.
Conclusion
Mouthwashes come with perks and are a great addition to your brush-and-floss routine. If you’re looking to include mouthwash into your oral care routine, be sure to choose one that is most suited for your oral health.
All things considered, diligently brushing your teeth, using dental floss, and gargling mouthwash can help to promote good oral health. But it’s still best to visit your dentist for regular checks and have oral concerns treated before they develop any further.
So if you are in search of the right dental clinic, look no further and check our offerings here at Luminous Dental! Whether you’re looking for scaling and polishing services, denture implants, root canal treatment, ceramic braces, our team of dental professionals take pride in delivering effective and comfortable treatments.