Is Mouthwash a Must?

If you’ve ever walked the aisles of any West Chester, Ohio drugstore, 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 make or break your dental health?

Many folks in the West Chester area wonder if daily mouthwash should be part of their dental routine. Brushing and flossing are the two critical habits that have the greatest effect on dental health, so if you’re doing these two things, is mouthwash required?

I’m dentist Sanjeev Goel of West Chester Dental Group in West Chester. 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 benefit.

People who suffer from bad breath often believe that mouthwash can solve the issue. 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 often more effective for freshening breath. These products are usually called fluoride rinses.

If you have chronic 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 ascertain the cause. Bad breath can be an indication of a physical condition, so see your doctor soon.

Bottom line? Never substitute mouthwash for proper brushing and flossing. And if you use mouthwash, pick a brand that contains fluoride and no alcohol.

Thank you for visiting the West Chester dental blog. We like to tackle important issues such as dental products, cosmetic dentistry procedures, over-the-counter teeth whitening, sedation dentistry, invisible braces, pediatric dentistry, oral care habits, and more!

My practice, West Chester Dental Group, provides trusted dental care to our valued patients. If you are interested in making an appointment, please call us at 513-942-8181. A member of my friendly staff can answer any questions you have about our services.

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