Are There Benefits to Using Mouthwash?

Are There Benefits to Using Mouthwash?

When it comes to mouthwash, is that daily rinse actually doing much to benefit your oral health? Or are mouthwash products not worth the bottle they come in?

The fact is, there are some benefits to using mouthwash. However, not all mouthwash products are the same and you may need a particular mouthwash to address your area of concern. What’s more, mouthwash alone isn’t a cure for bad breath, so if this is an issue it’s important to see your dentist so they can identify and treat the underlying cause.

Does mouthwash make a difference?

As mentioned above, the right mouthwash can provide some benefits. For example, a fluoride-based mouthwash can help to fight bacteria and protect teeth, while specialised medical mouthwash products can help with oral health issues such as gingivitis or dry mouth.

The best way to decide on the right mouthwash for you is to talk to your National Dental Care Group dentist, who’ll be able to advise you on the best product for your specific situation.

Medical mouthwashes

Medical or therapeutic mouthwashes are an important part of some dental treatments. For example, your dentist might prescribe:

● An oral rinse with antimicrobials for gingivitis

● A pain-treating mouthwash with benzocaine after dental surgery or if you have mouth sores

● Fluoride mouthwash to help protect your teeth overnight

Remember, no matter what mouthwash you use, you still need to brush and floss your teeth daily to maintain good oral hygiene. It’s also important to keep mouthwashes out of reach of children, as they can be poisonous if swallowed.

How to keep your breath smelling fresh

While mouthwash can’t get rid of persistent bad breath (known as halitosis), it can provide a quick burst of freshness which can be convenient after eating odour-heavy foods such as garlic or blue cheese.

Here are some other ways to keep your breath as fresh as can be:

● Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water: This helps to maintain saliva production, which is the ‘original’ mouthwash.

● Stick to healthy snacks: Opting for healthier snacks such as vegetables between meals can help to keep breath fresher, as sugary snacks can cause bacteria build-up which can lead to bad breath.

● Keep your teeth and tongue clean: As well as brushing your teeth twice a day, using a tongue scraper or gently cleaning your tongue with your toothbrush can help to maintain fresh breath.

● See your dentist for regular check-ups: Bad breath can be a sign of an underlying oral health condition. By keeping up to date with your regular dental check-ups, your dentist can identify any potential issues and address them before they cause further problems.

For advice on mouthwash or addressing bad breath, chat to your local National Dental Care Group dentist. You can make an appointment online now.