Michael A. Larsen, DDS, FAGDSky Sessions, DDS, MAGD|
Rexburg, ID|
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Fresh breath is a sign of good oral hygiene, not to mention, family and friends appreciate it. Luckily, you have many options to choose from to help you keep that breath smelling great. Some people use mouthwash to battle bad breath, while others use it to prevent tooth decay and gingivitis. Mouthwash also helps with overall tooth and gum health and can even help whiten teeth.
Mouthwash, otherwise called an oral rinse, does not substitute brushing and flossing. It is a liquid product used to rinse your teeth and gums. With there being so many different types of mouthwashes, make sure to read package instructions.
Here are general instructions on how to use mouthwash:
1.- Brush Your Teeth First
For best results, teeth should be freshly brushed and flossed thoroughly before use.
2.- Rinse and Swish
Pour the oral rinse into the cup/lid provided with the mouthwash. Be sure to only use the recommended amount for the specific product. Empty the cap into your mouth, and swish. Do not swallow! Most mouthwashes are recommended to be swished in your mouth for about 30 seconds to one minute. It is normal to feel a stinging sensation while using mouthwashes. If using a certain oral rinse is painful, do not use it.
3.- Spit it Out
Gargle the mouthwash, then spit it out.
There are hundreds of different mouthwashes out there. The oral hygiene aisles at grocery stores are packed with mouthwash options, and they all claim to be the best! So how do you choose the right mouthwash for you? First things first, what are your current oral health concerns and conditions? Whether you suffer from halitosis (bad breath) or xerostomia (dry mouth), different mouthwashes cater to different concerns. Consider how sensitive your teeth and gums are, too, because some mouthwashes are more intense than others.
Whatever mouthwash you choose, make sure it has been tested and proven by the ADA. Look for the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. That being said, oral rinses will not cure serious problems. If you have regular bleeding, swelling, or consistently bad breath, contact your dentist at Apple Tree Dental!
If you are wondering how to fix bad breath, it is important to know that bad breath ranges from mild to severe. People generally have bad breath after they’ve eaten or slept. It is very normal! After regular brushing and flossing, cosmetic mouth rinses seem to do the trick, as they temporarily mask the smell of bad breath. However, more severe bad breath is a sign of excessive bacteria or other oral health issues. If this is the case for you, consider using mouthwashes with antibacterial ingredients to combat the bacteria. Make sure you are brushing and flossing twice a day as well. If the problem persists, talk to your dentist as it may be a sign of a more serious issue.
If you suffer from dry mouth, avoid mouthwashes with alcohol in them. Alcohol will dry out your mouth more and will cause you greater discomfort.
Tooth sensitivity is a very uncomfortable problem. Some mouthwashes can help anesthetize or strengthen your teeth to help relieve some of that discomfort. Active ingredients to look for are potassium citrate, potassium nitrate, calcium phosphate, stannous fluoride, and/or sodium fluoride.
For gingivitis or gum disease, pick a mouthwash to use that has antiplaque, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and/or anti-gingivitis ingredients. Gingivitis mouthwash can help improve the health of your gums. For serious issues, your dentist can prescribe or recommend a stronger mouthwash for you to use.
Mouthwashes can still be used if you do not have any major oral health concerns. Oral rinses are always a good thing to add to your daily oral health routine, as they can prevent a host of serious dental issues.
For all of your oral health questions or concerns, call Apple Tree Dental or make an appointment online! Our friendly and professional staff members cannot wait to help you!
