Our general dentist recommends using mouthwash as part of your oral care routine. Doing so is not a substitute for brushing and flossing, but it does provide additional protection for teeth and gums as it cleans areas that brushing and flossing cannot reach or miss altogether.
Mouthwash can be used before or after brushing, but most manufacturers have a recommended way based on the active ingredients in the product. Ingredients like calcium hydroxide that are sometimes present in toothpaste can form complex molecules with fluoride ions in mouthwash, limiting its effectiveness. In such cases, rinsing the mouth with water after brushing and before using mouthwash would be more effective.
Our general dentist generally does not recommend mouthwash for anyone under the age of six. Mouthwash is not necessarily bad for children that age, but their swallowing reflexes might not be well developed at that point, possibly leading to intoxication, vomiting, or nausea.
There are two main types of mouthwash: therapeutic and cosmetic. Therapeutic mouthwashes contain active ingredients that help to control dental issues like tooth decay, plaque, gum disease, and bad breath. Cosmetic mouthwashes temporarily freshen breath and they tend to have a better taste. However, they do not contain active ingredients that combat issues like the bacteria that lead to bad breath.
Some of the active ingredients that are often found in therapeutic mouthwash include:
Here are some of the conditions that mouthwash can help to treat:
Contact our clinic to learn more about how the different ingredients in mouthwash can improve your oral health.
Request an appointment here: https://dentalcareofmadison.com or call Dental Care of Madison at (601) 898-9390 for an appointment in our Madison office.
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