Mouthwash: Do You Need It?

When it comes to proper oral health care, you know you should be brushing and flossing – but do you do both of those regularly? The answer to that question will answer this question: Do you need mouthwash?

Brushing your teeth twice a day is important, but flossing your teeth every day is even more critical. Every day millions of oral bacteria live inside your mouth. These bacteria are present to help break down particles that are left behind after you eat and drink anything other than water. While these bacteria are meant to be beneficial, they begin to wreak havoc after a short period of time. These bacteria produce acids to assist them in breaking down particles, and as the bacteria congregate together, they create damaging plaque. Floss is the only tool designed to be used at home to scrape plaque from the teeth. If you are not flossing on a daily basis, then plaque is damaging your teeth.

So, to answer the question: Do you need mouthwash? Well, if you are a daily flosser, then no. However, if you do not floss regularly (or at all), then you can most certainly benefit from using mouthwash.

Mouthwash that has the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval is what you must look for when purchasing a mouthwash. This seal ensures that the mouthwash you use will have the necessary ingredients to kill the harmful bacteria inside your mouth. It is essential to understand that mouthwash will not get rid of the plaque on your teeth; that will harden into tartar that your dentist will need to scrape off. ADA approved mouthwash will, however, protect your teeth from harmful bacteria so that they do not cause cavities and decay.

At Montevallo Family Dentistry, we want to encourage you to take the best possible care of your smile. While we know that flossing and brushing are the most necessary components of proper oral health, we encourage you to incorporate mouthwash into your daily routine if you aren’t flossing regularly. Contact our practice for our top recommendations.

Posted on Behalf of Montevallo Family Dentistry