Mouthwash: How to Use & What to Know

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy starts with implementing an oral care plan daily. Regular dental checkups are important too, but make sure you brush and floss each day. Using mouthwash is also an important aspect of taking care of your teeth.

Mouthwash is a liquid product used to rinse your teeth, gums, and mouth. Also called an oral rinse, mouthwash typically contains a bacteria-killing antiseptic that targets the bacteria residing between the teeth and on the tongue.

Mouthwash does provide numerous benefits when used correctly. It is an appropriate addition to a dental health regimen for most people, including those with braces and retainers.

While mouthwash doesn’t cure halitosis, it does fight it. Some bad breath emanates from the lungs or stomach instead of the mouth. In those cases, mouthwash simply masks the odor. Consult your dentist if you have chronic bad breath, as the cause could be a sign of a more serious issue.

Mouthwash rids teeth of bacteria that, if it lingers, can form into tooth decay. Tooth decay that is left untreated can worsen. That leads to infections and, potentially, gum disease.

A mouthwash that contains fluoride can fight cavities in two ways. It strengthens tooth enamel — the hard substance that protects teeth. It also remineralizes teeth from the effects of bacteria and plaque.

Mouthwash prevents plaque buildup; however, it doesn’t remove existing plaque. That’s why using mouthwash as a complement to brushing and flossing is a critical part of your mouth health routine.

Pregnant women are susceptible to gingivitis. Gum disease and tooth decay can lead to serious complications with the pending birth. For those reasons, women are advised to use mouthwash during their pregnancy.

Mouthwashes fall into two categories — cosmetic and therapeutic — based on their ingredients:

• Therapeutic mouthwashes. This type has active ingredients that kill bacteria. They also help reduce plaque, gingivitis, cavities, and bad breath. Mouthwashes with fluoride prevent or reduce tooth decay.
• Cosmetic mouthwashes. This type temporarily controls or reduces bad breath. It also leaves a pleasant taste in your mouth. That said, it doesn’t reduce the risk of cavities or gum disease.

Many brands of mouthwash are acidic. That acidity creates an environment for the same bacteria to grow back despite that using the mouthwash killed off the existing bacteria.

An alkaline mouthwash has a pH level that is not acidic — ranging from 7 to 14 on the pH scale. Alkaline mouthwashes create an environment that prevents cavities from developing.

While alcohol-free mouthwash won’t totally clean your mouth, it does target more bad bacteria than good bacteria. People who suffer from dry mouth, are undergoing radiation therapies, or have health issues such as Sjogren’s syndrome or diabetes might opt for alcohol-free.

Alcohol-free mouthwash also protects composite restorations and is favored by those who don’t like the burning sensation brought about by alkaline mouthwash.

Consult your dentist to discuss any questions about mouthwash and oral health. Or, check out The Smile Generation Find a Dentist tool to find a dentist near you for all your mouth health needs. You can read patient reviews, peruse staff bios, and schedule an appointment online with a click of your mouse.