Mouthwash: What You Need to Know

Oral health care is really quite simple if you are doing it correctly. Proper oral health consists of these basics:

• Brushing
• Flossing
• A healthy diet
• Regular dental cleanings

These four components are necessary for a healthy mouth full of healthy teeth that will last a lifetime.

However, if you take a quick walk down the oral health care aisle at your local drug store, you will find that there are many mouthwash options. With so many options, you may question whether you should add mouthwash into your daily routine. The answer to that question lies in the answer to this question: How well do you clean your mouth?

For people who make their oral health a priority by flossing daily and brushing their teeth at least twice a day, mouthwash is not necessary. However, some factors make mouthwash an essential addition to their oral health routine.

• Those who do not floss every day and who routinely “forget” to brush their teeth, mouthwash can benefit them greatly.
• Mouthwash is also beneficial to those who are prone to cavity development due to genetic factors that strongly influence their oral health.
• Those who suffer from gingivitis should use an antibacterial mouthwash to kill the damaging bacteria that can harm their gum tissues.
• Pregnant women may benefit from mouthwash. Throughout pregnancy, the fluctuation of hormones can have a significant impact on gum tissues. When the gums are tender and vulnerable, it can lead to prenatal periodontal disease. This is incredibly dangerous because periodontal disease has been directly linked to miscarriage, preterm labor, and low birth weight.

It is important to speak with your dentist before incorporating a mouthwash into your daily routine. Mouthwash can typically be categorized as “alcohol-based” or “alcohol-free.” Most people can get by with alcohol-free mouthwash, but some will benefit more from a mouthwash with alcohol as the main ingredient.

To learn more about mouthwash, whether you should add it to your day, and which type of mouthwash is best for your oral health, contact Juban Cowen Dental Care today.

Posted on behalf of Juban Cowen Dental Care