Posted on September 22, 2020
While most of us know and understand that brushing our teeth regularly is important for overall oral health and hygiene, you might not be sure about using mouthwash. Is mouthwash a necessary part of good oral hygiene? Watching commercials and advertisements would make you believe yes – you need to purchase it, especially if you are worried about having bad breath. However, if you have questions about making the right choice for you, then your Stoney Creek dentist would be the one to ask.
Here’s some more information about what you need to know before adding mouthwash into your routine.
How often do you brush?
For those of us who are diligent about our brushing with fluoride toothpaste and pretty on schedule with our flossing, mouthwash isn’t necessary for us. Some dentists will say that if you are on top of brushing your teeth with proper toothpaste, then you probably don’t need to add mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine.
If you find that you’re skipping brushing your teeth – maybe you often have late nights, and you don’t have the motivation for brushing and flossing your teeth before bed – then mouthwash might be beneficial for you. Even if you do brush frequently, you are concerned about having bad breath. Mouthwash is a quick way to freshen breath before an important buisness meeting or before heading out on a date.
How do I choose the right mouthwash?
You’ll want to make sure the Canadian Dental Association approves the mouthwash brand and type you choose. The seal of approval assures you that it has been tested and proven to prevent cavities and gum disease. Many types of mouthwash will be labelled as antibacterial, and that is important because cavities and gum disease are caused by the build-up of bacteria and plaque in your mouth.
So, is mouthwash necessary then?
Mouthwash isn't necessary, however, it is helpful, especially if you are worried about bad breath. For those who brush their teeth regularly, a couple of times a day, and stick to a regular flossing schedule, you may not need mouthwash. However, life is busy, and sometimes we forget or are too tired to brush our teeth – it happens!
If you fall into the latter category at times, then antibacterial mouthwash can be a beneficial addition to your oral routine so that the bacteria doesn’t build up or cause damage. In either case, it's not harmful, when used properly, to add this as part of your oral care routine also. Just remember, to properly fight tooth decay, brushing and flossing daily are essential to your daily oral hygiene routine!
Mouthwash can also help your self-esteem, as having fresh breath can help you feel confident.
If you are looking for the right mouthwash and are overwhelmed by all the choices out there, you aren’t alone! Your Stoney Creek dentist can help you find the right option for your routine and dental needs. Your dentist wants to make sure your oral health is good, for as long as possible, so any questions you have about mouthwash or oral hygiene in general, they will be happy to answer.
Contact Stoney Creek Dental today.
If you have questions or concerns about your dental health, bad breath, or if it’s been a while since your last dental check-up and you need to book an appointment, contact Stoney Creek Dental today!