There are so many dental products on the market these days. Ones that promise a healthier mouth, a whiter smile, and fresher breath. But- are all of these products really necessary for keeping your teeth and gums disease-free? While dentists all agree that you need to be brushing twice per day for two minutes each time, and flossing daily, you may be wondering if mouthwash needs to be on the list of oral priorities.
Benefits of Mouthwash
Before saying whether or not mouthwash is absolutely necessary for a healthy dental routine, it is important to understand the benefits that a good mouthwash could add to your mouth.
- Fresher Breath. If you struggle with bad breath, mouthwash can help you by eliminating the bacteria that causes the stench. If you find yourself using mouthwash constantly to freshen up your breath, however, you need to consult a dentist as your bad breath may have a more serious underlying cause like gingivitis.
- Strengthen Enamel. There are a lot of different mouthwash brands on the market, and some are formulated to strengthen your enamel. While no product can replace your enamel or ‘build back your enamel’ (stay away from products that promise such things), certain mouthwashes contain fluoride and other minerals that will strengthen your enamel and provide protection for your teeth. Just look at the ingredients before you buy.
- Whitening. Just like with strengthening your enamel, there are also mouthwashes that contain whitening agents. While the American Dental Association has agreed that some of these products that contain hydrogen peroxide for whitening are safe for your teeth, there are also some that contain dangerous ingredients that can destroy your enamel – check the label before your buy and use. If you aren’t sure, consult your dentist or talk to us about safer whitening options.
Not a Substitute
As you can see, utilizing mouthwash can provide a lot of benefits for your mouth – including killing dangerous bacteria that cause cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. As good as these benefits are, they are no substitute for a good oral hygiene routine involving brushing and flossing as well as seeing your dentist at least twice every year for a cleaning and check-up.
At Premier Dental Center- Boerne, we recommend consulting with our dental professionals before deciding on adding a mouthwash to your routine. Our dentists can point you in the right direction and recommend safe products that won’t destroy your enamel. Schedule an appointment today and let us help you get on the right track for a healthier mouth! New patients can schedule their first cleaning, exam, and x-ray for just $59.