Is Mouthwash Necessary For You
Around 200 million people use mouthwash as part of their oral hygiene routine. Oral rinses come in many different flavors and intensities targeting different oral hygiene needs. Is mouthwash necessary?
Table of Contents
The History of Mouthwash
The common mouthwash used today was invented in the late 1800s. It was originally used as an antiseptic during surgery and then later as a floor cleaner.
The use of oral rinses was used in ancient cultures such as Egyptian, Chinese, Indian, Greek, and Roman.
Types of Mouthwashes
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. Common types of mouthwashes are:
- Anti-Cavity: This oral rinse has the maximum amount of Sodium Fluroide to strengthen enamel and target the bacteria that causes 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.
Is Mouthwash Necessary?
There are many different types of mouthwashes that aim at different dental needs. Mouthwash can be a great addition to your oral hygiene routines. Is mouthwash necessary? Mouthwash is not needed in order to have good oral hygiene with healthy teeth and gums. In order for mouthwash to work properly and help:
- Actively swish the rinse for at least 30 seconds.
- Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after rinsing. This will allow the rinse to fully penetrate the teeth and tissues in the mouth.
- You must brush and floss before using mouth wash. 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.
For more tips to improve your oral health, check out our Healthy Smile Guide.
How To Improve Your Oral Health
- Daily Brushing: Brush 2 times a day for 2 minutes to remove daily food, plaque, and bacteria before it can harden and turn to tartar. Using an electric toothbrush is more efficient and can help decrease tartar levels.
- Daily Flossing: The toothbrush can only clean two-thirds of the tooth’s surface. Flossing is the only way to mechanically remove food, plaque, and bacteria in between the teeth.
- Staying Hydrated: Saliva flow is important to clean off the teeth and keep the gum tissues hydrated. It is recommended to drink 2.7-3.7 liters of fluids daily. Water is the healthiest beverage for the body.
- Nutrition: Avoid sugary, starchy foods like sweets, breads, crackers, and chips. Fruits and vegetables are a great alternative and some even help scrape plaque off of the teeth.
- Check out our Dental Nutrition article to learn more.
- Routine Dental Cleanings: The toothbrush and floss can only do so much at home. Professional dental cleanings will remove all food, plaque, and tartar from the teeth and should be done at least every 6 months.
- Breaking Down the Dental Cleaning has additional information on this type of dental appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you don't use mouthwash?
Nothing will happen if you do not use mouthwash. Mouthwash is a great additive to help improve the health of your teeth and gums. Oral rinses will not remove food, plaque, and bacteria from the surfaces so it is not a necessary component of home care.
Is mouthwash necessary every day?
Mouthwashes can be a great way to improve your oral health. In order to get the full benefits, have mouthwash be a normal part of your long-term oral hygiene routine. Mouthwash is not a necessary component of oral hygiene compared to brushing and flossing.
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.
