If you’ve ever visited a grocery store dental aisle, you know that there are many different types of mouthwash. Some tout their germ-killing abilities, others emphasize their fluoride content, and some claim to whiten teeth while freshening the breath. These are all great benefits, but will they help meet your oral care needs?
Many people wonder if daily mouthwash should be part of their dental routine. Brushing and flossing are the two vital habits that have the greatest impact on dental health, so if you’re doing these two things, is mouthwash necessary?
I’m Dentist Weston Spencer of Weston Spencer DDS – Conservative Comprehensive Dentistry in La Jolla. When my dental patients ask about mouthwash, I tell them that as long as they follow the directions on the bottle, mouthwash may slightly benefit dental health, even if it doesn’t live up to every promise as advertised. Rinsing with a mouthwash that contains fluoride can’t hurt your teeth, but allowing a bit of diluted toothpaste to stay on tooth surfaces after brushing probably has the same effect.
Men and women who suffer from bad breath often believe that mouthwash can solve the problem. Actually, mouthwashes that contain alcohol can worsen the problem because they can cause dry mouth—a condition that can worsen bad breath. Mouthwashes without alcohol are typically more powerful for freshening breath. These products are frequently called fluoride rinses.
If you have severe bad breath, however, you should have your teeth checked for plaque build-up. No amount of mouthwash can remedy a mouth full of plaque. If your teeth and gums are healthy and you still suffer from bad breath, it’s important to confirm the cause. Bad breath can be an indication of a physical condition, so see your physician soon.
Bottom line? Never substitute mouthwash for proper brushing and flossing. And if you use mouthwash, decide on a brand that contains fluoride and no alcohol.
Thank you for your time. We like to tackle vital issues such as dental products, cosmetic dentistry services, over-the-counter teeth whitening, sedation dentistry, invisible braces, pediatric dentistry, oral care habits, and more!
My practice, Weston Spencer DDS – Conservative Comprehensive Dentistry, provides premium dental care to our valued patients. If you are interested in making an appointment, please call us at 858-683-1301. A member of my friendly staff can answer any questions you have about our services.
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Contact Weston Spencer DDS – Conservative Comprehensive Dentistry:
858-683-1301
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
7855 Fay Avenue Suite 200
La Jolla, California
92037