Your Mouth Can Benefit From Mouthwash

Brushing and flossing your teeth are the best ways to avoid serious oral health issues like decay and gingivitis. These two habits are necessary to protect your smile between dental visits. Your mouth can also benefit from using mouthwash on a regular basis. Mouthwash is a useful tool in the fight against tooth decay, gum disease, and in promoting healthy teeth and gums. Below are a few of the benefits of using mouthwash.

• Stops cavities from forming. Cavities are tiny holes in the teeth that are caused by acid-producing bacteria. There are millions of oral bacteria inside your mouth at all times. When bacteria congregate around sugars and food particles trapped in the teeth, they begin producing damaging acids. It is these acids that eat holes in the tooth enamel and cause cavities. Mouthwash approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) has the necessary ingredients to kill these damaging bacteria.
• Prevents plaque buildup. When oral bacteria remain in the mouth, they build up in a sticky substance called plaque. While mouthwash will not remove any plaque that is already inside your mouth, it will prevent more plaque buildup from occurring.
• Removes particles from the teeth. Rinsing the mouth with mouthwash will help to loosen particles that become stuck in the teeth after meals. It is beneficial to use mouthwash before you brush to loosen and remove particles.
• Freshens breath. Mouthwash is most often used as a “breath freshener.” Mouthwash that has a minty flavor will temporarily mask bad breath. Rinsing the mouth with mouthwash is especially helpful after eating pungent foods or consuming coffee, alcohol, or other smelly beverages.

With regular flossing and brushing, the use of mouthwash can only further benefit your smile. Talk with your dentist about incorporating mouthwash into your daily oral routine.