What Does Mouthwash Really Do?

We always hear that a good oral hygiene routine includes brushing, flossing and using a quality mouthwash for maximum effectiveness. We want our teeth to remain healthy, bright and beautiful and for that to happen, we need to be willing to put in the work when it comes to taking care of our teeth.

When shopping for mouthwash, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with all of the options available. There is literally an entire aisle in the grocery store dedicated to different varieties of nifty oral hygiene tools, so where do you even start? Get ready to find the best product to give you the results you need.

The Purpose of Mouthwash

Using mouthwash is a vital part of any oral hygiene routine. Paired with brushing and flossing, using it can help with the following:

• Freshen breath
• Kill bacteria
• Prevent plaque build-up
• Decrease the risk of cavities

It’s important to note that mouthwash should NOT replace brushing and flossing, as these parts of your oral hygiene routine are imperative to keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

The Best Options

When you’re looking for the best mouthwash to add to your oral hygiene routine, not all are created equally. Look for products that are therapeutic, not just cosmetic. Listerine is a top choice here at Milnor Orthodontics. Shown to be just as effective, if not more effective, than prescription options, this therapeutic rinse significantly improves the health of the teeth and gums when used regularly. When compared to cosmetic mouth rinses such as Scope, which only freshens breath, Listerine does more to ensure your mouth stays healthy.

Other recommended products that are effective in protecting the teeth and gums include:

• Crest Pro-Health Advanced
• ACT Dry Mouth
• Colgate Total Pro-Shield

It’s always a good idea to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance so you know the product has been properly tested for effectiveness.

How to Use Mouthwash

Adding this step to your oral hygiene routine is important and should be performed properly. Steps in the process include:

1. Measure out the recommended amount.
2. Swish it around your mouth for the proper duration of time.
3. Spit it out, don’t swallow it.
4. Wait at least 30 minutes, if possible, before eating and drinking.

Take a look at the product you choose to find the recommended amount and duration. Although many product instructions are similar, there may be some slight variations.

The Importance of Mouthwash

As you can see, mouthwash plays a lead role in your oral hygiene routine, so don’t skip it! It’s important to choose one that does its job effectively. Remember, much of our health stems from our oral hygiene, so skimping on this area is not recommended! Take care of your teeth and your gums by brushing, flossing and using a quality mouthwash.