How Often Should Mouthwash Be Used?
Mouthwash is a great dental product that can help improve your oral hygiene. There are many different types of mouthwash that come in several flavors. Figuring out how often should mouthwash be used depends on several unique factors.
In this article, we answer all your questions about mouthwash and how to integrate it into your oral hygiene routine.
Table of Contents
What Is Mouthwash?
Mouthwash is an oral rinse that helps kill bacteria and keep your mouth feeling fresh. There are many different types of mouthwashes on the market that target different dental needs. Figuring out how often should mouthwash be used will depend on the type of mouthwash.
Common types of mouthwashes are:
- Anti-Cavity: This oral rinse has the maximum amount of Sodium Fluoride to strengthen enamel and target the bacteria that cause cavities.
- Anti-Gingivitis: Mouthwash that aids in gum health disrupts bacteria in the mouth that causes inflammation and bleeding gums.
- Whitening: Hydrogen peroxide and other active ingredients in whitening mouthwash prevent stain buildup and lighten the shade of the teeth.
- Dry Mouth: These mouthwashes tend to be a thicker rinse to lubricate the tissues and help find relief from dry mouth.
- Always avoid oral rinses with alcohol if you experience dry mouth. Alcohol can dry out the mouth more.
How Often Should Mouthwash Be Used?
Mouthwash can be a great addition to your oral hygiene routine. How often should mouthwash be used? In order to answer that it’s important to learn how mouthwash works and why you should be using it.
So, how often should mouthwash be used? Here are some general rules:
- Actively swish the mouthwash for at least 30 seconds.
- Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after using mouthwash. This will allow the mouthwash to fully penetrate the teeth and tissues in the mouth.
- You must brush and floss before using mouthwash. Mouthwash can not mechanically scrape the teeth from food, plaque, and bacteria like the toothbrush and floss. Without doing both before use, you will just be minty fresh.
- Rinse with mouthwash after brushing and flossing 2 times a day.
For more tips to improve your oral health, check out our Healthy Smile Guide.
How Long Should Mouthwash Be In Your Mouth?
Mouthwash will work best if used after brushing and flossing. In order for mouthwash to work, you must rinse for at least 30 seconds. This will ensure the mouthwash has enough time to penetrate the tooth and gums. Rinsing for less than 30 seconds will not improve your oral health.
How long should mouthwash be in your mouth? You should rinse with mouthwash for around 30-60 seconds to improve your oral hygiene. How often should mouthwash be used depends on what type of mouthwash, but generally 2 times a day.
If you have a unique situation or are using a special type of mouthwash, follow the directions on the bottle or call your dentist to ask for more specific instructions.
Can Mouthwash Be Used Everyday?
How often should mouthwash be used depends on the type of mouthwash. Most mouthwashes are designed to be used every day. The best time to rinse with mouthwash is after brushing and flossing 2 times a day.
Can mouthwash be used every day? Mouthwash is designed to be used daily in order to improve your oral health, so generally the answer is yes.
If you have a unique situation or are using a special type of mouthwash, follow the directions on the bottle or call your dentist to ask for more specific instructions.
Can You Use Mouthwash More Than Once A Day?
Mouthwash works best if used consistently in order to improve your oral health. How often can mouthwash be used depends on the type of mouthwash and your specific situation.
Generally speaking, as we’ve outline in the above sections, most mouthwashes will work best if used 2 times a day, once in the morning and once at night. Add it to your routine after brushing and flossing.
Is It Bad To Use Mouthwash Too Often?
How often mouthwash should be used is dependent on your specific situation. You always want to use any dental product as instructed by the makers or by your dentist.
The recommended use for most mouthwashes is 2 times a day. Is it bad to use mouthwash too often? Yes! Overuse of mouthwashes can lead to:
- Mouth sores from irritation to the tissues in the mouth.
- Chemical burns that lead to irritation and sores in the mouth.
- Dry mouth leading to increased bad bacteria activity in the mouth.
- Changes in taste that can weaken or alter the taste of certain foods and beverages.
There is no need to use mouthwash more than 2 times per day. If you are considering using mouthwash more than 2 times per day in order to freshen your breath, we recommend a sugarless breath mint instead.
Should Kids Use Mouthwash?
Mouthwash is a great way to improve everyone’s smile. Children can benefit from using mouthwash just like adults. Children’s mouthwash also comes in many different flavors that can help make their home care routine fun.
How often should mouthwash be used for kids? The general answer, just like with adults, is 2 times a day. Always brush and floss before using mouthwash to get all the benefits. A good mouthwash for kids to use is an anti-cavity mouthwash.
Always use supervision with children when they are using mouthwash. Make sure the mouthwash isn’t being swallowed and always spit out. A great way to do make sure they understand this is to practice with water first. This will help avoid any accidents.
For more tips on oral hygiene for kids, check out our Children’s Oral Health Guide.
Adding Mouthwash To Your Routine
There are many different types of mouthwash that you can choose to use. Choosing the right mouthwash for your smile can help improve your oral hygiene and keep your smile strong. Work with your dental team to help you choose what’s best for your smile.
As we have answered already, how often should mouthwash be used will be dependent on the type of mouthwash and your specific situation.
However, if you are just looking to add everyday mouthwash into your daily routine, 2 times a day after brushing and flossing is the ideal amount.
To learn more about mouthwashes, check out our article Is Mouthwash Necessary?
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile store for educational brochures and other fun printables to help with oral hygiene. All products can be customized to fit your dental needs.
