If you’ve ever walked the oral care aisles of any drugstore, you know that there are many different types of mouthwash. Some brag about 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 men and women wonder if daily mouthwash should be part of their routine to improve oral health in Pearland. Brushing and flossing are the two essential habits that have the most significant effect on dental health, so if you’re doing these two things, is mouthwash needed?
When our dental patients ask about mouthwash, we tell them that as long as they follow the instructions for use on the bottle, mouthwash may slightly benefit oral health in Pearland, even if it doesn’t live up to every promise as claimed. 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.
Individuals who suffer from bad breath often believe that mouthwash can solve the trouble. Actually, mouthwashes that contain alcohol can worsen the problem because they can cause dry mouth—a condition that can contribute to bad breath. Mouthwashes without alcohol are ordinarily more effective for freshening breath. These products are typically called fluoride rinses.
If you have severe bad breath, however, you should have your teeth analyzed 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 determine 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, choose a brand that contains fluoride and no alcohol.
At Montz and Maher Dental Group, we like to tackle essential issues such as dental products, cosmetic dentistry services, over-the-counter teeth whitening, sedation dentistry, invisible braces, oral care habits, and more! Our practice provides trusted dental care to our valued patients. If you are interested in making an appointment to improve oral health in Pearland, please call us at 832-895-5120.
Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry:
832-895-5120
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
2443 S Galveston Ave
Pearland, Texas
77581
