Reasons Why Mouthwash is Beneficial
When you care for your teeth, you may remember to brush and floss on a regular basis. It is also important to use mouthwash afterwards. An oral rinse could be doing more than just giving your breath a makeover. Several mouthwashes can have health benefits as well. Just check out the label on your mouthwash container, and you may find that it is a plaque reducer, a teeth whitener, and perhaps even a gum-disease fighter. Having a good mouthwash can be beneficial for you and your family.
The Benefits of Using Mouthwash
By using a mouthwash, you can help to reduce the amount of cavities you get. Rinsing with a fluoride rinse can help reduce cavities. There are countless studies on the benefits of fluoride in reducing demineralization and cavities on the teeth. Another benefit is that you can help fight off gum disease. With periodontal disease, such as gingivitis, gums and tooth sockets can get inflamed or infected because of plaque from bacteria and food that lingers on teeth. An antibacterial mouthwash, like one with alcohol, may help prevent periodontal disease. A mouth rinse can also help to soothe canker sores. Mouthwash can ease a canker sore by detoxing the area. This reduces the amount of bacteria that can irritate the site. If you have a canker sore, a simple saltwater rinse will do in many cases. Periodontal disease is actually a risk factor for giving birth to preterm, low-weight babies. The bacteria from a gum infection can get into a pregnant woman’s bloodstream and increase inflammatory markers, which in turn can stimulate contractions. A study found that moms-to-be who used mouthwash throughout their pregnancy were less likely to go into early labor. With several different mouthwashes to choose from, it may be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Make sure to contact us and we can advise you on the different ones, and recommend what type could benefit you.
Do not Rely on just the Mouthwash
Mouthwash is by no means a cure-all. Some may think if they use mouthwash they can forget about brushing your teeth. This is not true, as your teeth can still develop cavities. Depending on the severity of your canker sore, some mouthwashes could irritate it. If the alcohol content of your mouth rinse is too high, it may actually end up irritating the canker sore more than helping it. Also remember that a mouthwash is a task that should be done along with brushing and flowing your teeth. Mouthwash can lead to fresher breath, but it may be short-lived. If a patient has poor oral hygiene and does not brush effectively, there is no amount of mouthwash that can mask the effects of poor health. Just using mouthwash would be equivalent to not bathing and using cologne to mask the smell.
Add an Oral Rinse to Improve your Dental Hygiene
Mouthwashes should not be used as a substitute for brushing your teeth. Even when they can be helpful in lessening the risk of periodontal disease and cavities, they should always be used in conjunction with good hygiene habits. This can help keep your mouth happy and healthy.