Benefits of Using Mouthwash

A good daily oral care routine is necessary for your dental health. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash are healthy dental habits. But is using mouthwash really needed? The American Dental Association (ADA) states that the use of mouthwash, also known as oral rinse, maybe a great addition to improving oral hygiene for some people. It not only freshens the breath but can offer vital advantages to boosting dental care.

Proper oral health care helps to keep bacteria under control and your teeth free of tooth decay and gum disease. It can also prevent the risks of overall health complications such as cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and cancer.

The daily use of mouthwash as part of your oral care can help to reduce bacteria as well and ward off periodontal disease. Since mouthwash typically contains antibacterial ingredients that help to clean between your teeth, it is always better to use one that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval on it.

Benefits of Using Mouthwash

• Reduce plaque buildup on your teeth
• Decreases the risk of gingivitis (gum disease)
• Helps to clear up canker sores
• Freshens the breath and treats halitosis (bad breath)
• Helps to prevent cavities

Should I Use Mouthwash Before or After Brushing?

You will need to consider what you are aiming for with your mouthwash and how you want it to affect your mouth to find the answer that is right for you because there is no wrong answer. Understanding how to improve the effectiveness of your mouthwash is a part of knowing how to care for your teeth and gums.

Knowing the main purpose for using mouthwash is to help kill bad bacteria and loosen out particles and plaque can also help you to decide when it is best for you to use mouthwash. If you choose before or after brushing, or both, you are doing a better job than not using any at all.

What is the Best Time to Use Mouthwash?

It would be wiser to not use mouthwash right after brushing with toothpaste that includes fluoride. This is to prevent the mouthwash from washing away the concentrated fluoride that is left on the teeth. Instead, consider choosing a different time such as after lunch which can benefit you more by breaking up the food particles that remain in your teeth.

Why Do I Have to Wait 30 Minutes After Using Mouthwash?

It is important for the active ingredients in the mouthwash to stay on your teeth 30 minutes after use so that they dispel into the enamel to help keep it strong and protected. If you do not wait the recommended 30 minutes, then it does little to no good because it may be washed off.

It is also important to avoid all dairy one hour before and one hour after using mouthwash because it is difficult for the body to absorb fluoride with dairy products that include a calcium supplement.

The Benefits of Using Mouthwash Before, After, or Both

• Before brushing. Using mouthwash before brushing has a better chance of breaking up plaque and particles which makes it easier for your toothbrush to get to the harder spots in the mouth and teeth.
• After bushing. Using mouthwash 30 minutes after brushing helps to ensure that all the residue and plaque are removed from the mouth.
• Both before and after brushing. This might be the best option for patients who want to ensure they are taking the best care of their teeth and gums because it will help to kill as much bacteria as possible.

Most people choose to use their mouthwash after brushing however, that does not make either option right or wrong. However, children younger than the age of six should not use mouthwash unless instructed by a dentist.

Read also: Be the Boss of Your Floss

If you are looking for an affordable dentist in Lafayette, LA, who provides top-notch dental care, contact Gina Liggio Maestri DDS Family Dentistry today. And with the Loyalty Dental Plan available, parents can now have peace of mind knowing their family can have coverage for their oral health care. 

Benefits to the Loyalty Dental Plan

• No copays
• No yearly maximums
• No deductibles
• No claim forms
• No frequencies
• No pre-authorization requirements
• No pre-existing condition limitations
• No waiting periods (immediate eligibility)

To feel confident that your family’s oral health care is covered without any financial worry, schedule an appointment with Gina Liggio Maestri DDS Family Dentistry today.

Dr. Maestri is committed to offering patient-centered dental care through various treatment options. Our skilled team delivers quality care to all our patients who become a part of our family. We are a leading visionary in dental care and can guarantee you leave with a smile.

 

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-use-mouthwash

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/mouth-rinse-rules

https://byersstationdental.com/blog/5-benefits-of-using-mouthwash-for-daily-oral-care

https://dental.washington.edu/policies/clinic-policy-manual/clinical-goals/

https://www.sensodyne.com/en-us/oral-health-tips/should-you-rinse-after-brushing/