Establishing a thorough oral health routine is an important part of an overall lifestyle. Brushing your teeth and flossing them on a daily basis is a given, but what about using mouthwash? As mouthwash is typically only swished in your mouth for 30 seconds or less, it’s only natural to wonder if it actually has a positive effect on your oral health. As one of the best dentists in Cary, Il, we are here to help you better understand the effects of mouthwash.
What Is It?
First and foremost, let’s define what mouthwash is. There is a wide variety of different types and brands of mouthwash on the market, so you may be overwhelmed with the number of options that you have. As a starting point, it’s important to look at the different ingredients that are used in each mouthwash that you’re comparing. Most mouthwashes will include the following ingredients:
- Detergents: These help dislodge stuck food and loosen plaque
- Preservatives: These help prevent the growth of bacteria
- Water: This helps dissolve the other ingredients and make them less potent
- Fluoride: This helps make your teeth more resistant to acid and helps protect against overall tooth decay
- Essential Oils: Helps decrease gum inflammation
Benefits of Mouthwash
So, to answer the question of whether or not mouthwash is worth it, the answer is yes. Simply adding this 30-second routine to your day can help freshen your breath, protect against gum disease and cavities, and reduce plaque and bacteria throughout your mouth. Mouthwash should only be used as an additional measure to keep your teeth clean, and it shouldn’t replace brushing or flossing.
Please reach out to our Cary, Il dentist for additional information about mouthwash.
