The signs of a healthy mouth include pearly white teeth, pink gums, a smile fixed in place, and of course fresh breath. An effective oral hygiene routine can help to contribute towards all of these factors – but what role does mouthwash play?
Mouthwash is generally a concentrated liquid which boasts an intense minty flavour and antiseptic to kill any residual bacteria on your teeth and gums; designed to be swilled around the mouth ad gargled before being spat out.
It does, in short, freshen your mouth and remove any residual flavours or aromas following a big meal. With that said, however, how necessary is it as part of an effective oral hygiene routine?
Let’s find out.
The benefits of mouthwash
With a wide range of mouthwash products available, all heralding different uses and benefits – from whitening support to fresher breath, aiding the fight against plaque and gum disease, and more – finding one which works for you is key.
When you find the right mouthwash for you, there are a number of benefits you will notice, starting with its effectiveness as a refreshing product in the middle of the day or after a meal.
The fresh breath facilitated by a quick rinse with mouthwash helps in social situations and delivers a boost of confidence to the consumer, not to mention it generally makes you more attractive to others.
Another benefit that’s linked to some mouthwashes is its teeth whitening properties, supporting other products which not only contribute towards teeth whitening but which also help to rinse away products which may cause further staining.
Other benefits include:
- Removes particles and debris from between the teeth, making the process of brushing and flossing easier.
- Prevents plaque thanks to the injection of fluoride which the mouth and gums get when you use a mouthwash.
- Mouthwash helps to strengthen the enamel on your teeth, making them stronger and more resistant to damage and decay.
- It can help to soothe inflamed gums and combat the bacteria which could cause irritation in the mouth.
To cut a long story short, mouthwash brings a plethora of benefits to your oral hygiene and dental routine provided it is used correctly and at the right time (more on this later in the article).
Here’s how it compares with other products in your dental care routine.
What does mouthwash do that other oral hygiene products don’t?
Because mouthwash is designed to be swilled around the mouth and then spat out, it contains a much higher concentration of flavour and fluoride than many other products. For example, some dentists and specialists will encourage you to rinse your mouth with water after eating to freshen the breath, however, mouthwash is a more effective way of really fighting back the smell of bad breath thanks to its intense boost of flavour.
Similarly, toothpaste contains fluoride which helps to protect the teeth by boosting the layer of enamel which prevents decay and disease. Mouthwash offers a means of topping that fluoride coating back up in between meals or in the middle of the day.
Finally, while mouthwash is not a replacement for any other teeth whitening solutions or treatment options, it can help to improve the appearance of your mouth by brightening your smile and keeping your teeth in tip top condition.
Is mouthwash necessary?
The answer to this varies depending on who you ask. For us, mouthwash is an effective way of refreshing the mouth – making you feel more confident and really keeping your mouth clean throughout the day. And of course, all this is dependent on you using the product at the right time.
What this means, contrary to popular belief, is that mouthwash is not to be used directly after a meal. Instead, it should be used no less than 30 minutes to an hour after brushing, to ensure that it does not wash away the residual fluoride left by the toothpaste. As a general rule, using mouthwash after meal times is a good way of topping up your oral hygiene and hitting the refresh button in your mouth, without impacting the rest of your routine.
Mouthwash should never be used as an alternative to regular brushing and is a product which should supplement a comprehensive and oral hygiene routine which includes brushing, flossing, and interdental attention as well as regular trips to the dentist.
If you’ve got specific questions about mouthwash or would like advice in finding a mouthwash product to complement your routine, make an appointment with your local dentist.
