With countless billboards and ads from manufacturers, many people are always wondering, is mouthwash important? Of course, a mouthwash product is suitable for enhancing your oral health. But it’s only useful if you brush your teeth properly and floss regularly.
Research shows that alcohol-based mouthwashes are effective at killing germs. However, some people worry about mouthwash containing alcohol as it’s associated with several health risks. Still, the pros outweigh the cons.
The Benefits of Mouthwash
The most vital benefit of mouthwash is that it prevents cavities. According to the American Board of Periodontology, rinsing your mouth regularly with fluoride helps to cut down cavities.
When you have periodontal disease, such as gingivitis, you’ll experience an inflammation of your teeth sockets and gums. Plaque from food particles and bacteria can also lead to infections. A mouthwash containing chlorhexidine or alcohol is effective in preventing periodontal disease.
For pregnant women, mouthwash prevents early labor. This is because the periodontal disease puts expectant mothers at risk of giving birth to low-weight babies or prematurely.
It also soothes canker sores and prevents bad breath by reducing bacteria in the mouth.
How to Choose the Best for You
Store shelves re stacked with different brands of mouthwash, and choosing one can be overwhelming. With so many options, you can get confused and find yourself questioning, is mouthwash important? As such, you should always consider your oral health needs to get a suitable product.
Many people use it to mask the smell of bad breath. Sometimes, bad breath is caused by eating foods with strong scents, such as garlic or onion. However, the odor can also come from certain medical conditions, including acid reflux. For both cases, get an alcohol-based mouthwash as it keeps your breath fresh and kills all germs on contact.
If you regularly consume highly pigmented drinks or foods like coffee, berries, wine, or yellow spices, you’re likely to have discolored or stained teeth. If you would like to get rid of the stains on your teeth, then opt for a teeth whitening mouthwash.
Some people suffer from a dry mouth because they fail to produce enough saliva. For this situation, an alcohol-free mouthwash will not be suitable as alcohol exacerbates the symptoms of dry mouth. Seek medical advice if you suffer from chronic dry mouth syndrome, which makes it difficult to chew or swallow.
For children, choose a kid-friendly mouthwash that has no alcohol or mint flavor.
Is Mouthwash Important? Learn More at South High Dental
You can achieve optimal oral health if you observe all recommended practices. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, using mouthwash, and visiting a dentist twice a year. You should also know the foods to avoid for healthy teeth.
At South High Dental, you’ll receive professional treatment in a high tech facility. Depending on your oral health needs, you’ll receive several types of treatment, such as:
- General dentistry
- Orthodontic dental procedures
- Oral surgery
- Dental crown procedures
- CEREC
Don’t let bad breath or other dental conditions hinder you from achieving optimal oral health. You already have an affirmative answer to your question – is mouthwash important? Contact us today at 614.363.2462 for consultation or to book an appointment.
