What Is the Role of Mouthwash in Your Oral Hygiene Routine?

At Dental Care of Madison we are proponents of preventive care to keep dental disease at bay. Aside from keeping up with your routine dental exams and cleanings we encourage our valued patients to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Most people are familiar with regular brushing and flossing but many of our patients have questions about mouthwash. The following is a look at mouthwash and its role in maintaining a healthy smile.

How Does Mouthwash Enhance Your Oral Hygiene Routine?

Different mouthwash varieties have different active components but most have active ingredients that kill harmful oral bacteria. That helps reduce the risk of plaque accumulation tooth decay gum disease and bad breath leaving you with a healthier fresher smile. Choosing a mouthwash with the ADA seal of approval will ensure it has quality ingredients designed to promote oral health.

It’s important to remember that mouthwash is a tool to be used alongside brushing and flossing and should never be considered a substitute. For best results we recommend rinsing with mouthwash after thoroughly cleaning your teeth to remove any loosened plaque or debris. Be sure you follow the recommended amount on the product label and swish it around for about 30 seconds ensuring it comes in contact with all your teeth.

What Are the Types of Mouthwash?

Here’s a look at the most common types of mouthwash:

1. Antiseptic Mouthwash: This is the most common type of mouthwash containing ingredients that target and kill harmful bacteria. At Dental Care of Madison we recommend alcohol-free antiseptic mouthwash to reduce plaque buildup gingivitis (gum inflammation) and bad breath while minimizing irritation.

2. Fluoride Mouthwash: This mouthwash variety lowers the risk of cavities and helps rebuild weakened tooth enamel through a process known as remineralization. It has been shown to reverse the early signs of tooth decay.

3. Therapeutic Mouthwash: Therapeutic mouthwashes are designed to address specific concerns such as dry mouth oral thrush (a fungal infection) or canker sores. They often require a prescription from your dentist.

4. Cosmetic Mouthwash: Cosmetic mouthwashes are mainly designed to temporarily mask bad breath and leave a pleasant taste in the mouth. They do not eliminate bacteria so their refreshing effects are usually short-lived.

5. Whitening Mouthwash: Some mouthwash varieties have whitening agents that help remove tooth stains and discoloration. While not as effective as teeth whitening treatments they can complement your teeth whitening program.

Preventive Care Near Me in Madison MS

Contact Dental Care of Madison to learn more about establishing a sound home oral hygiene routine. We also encourage you to keep up with your routine dental exams and cleanings to lower your risk of dental disease. Our experienced dentists and team are all about maintaining bright healthy smiles that last a lifetime. Call us at (601) 898-9390 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!