Why is mouthwash used

Most mouthwashes come with a fresh, minty fragrance like peppermint or cinnamon which freshen your breath. The antibacterial ingredients in mouthwash attack bad-breath-causing bacteria in your mouth, especially on the surface of your tongue. These bacteria release sulfuric substances, leading to foul-smelling breath. That means mouthwash gives you fresh-smelling breath for longer periods than eating a mint for example.

You are not just masking your bad breath with mouthwash, you actually deal with the bacteria that lead to bad breath in the first place. If you are dealing with toothaches associated with cavities, using mouthwash is a good way to alleviate the pain while you wait to see your dentist.

That is because the pain associated with these types of toothaches are often due to acid-producing bacteria in your mouth. It is the acid these bacteria produce that cause the pain associated with cavities. Mouthwash removes this bacteria, reducing the pain. If you allow your child to use mouthwash, supervise to be sure that he or she spits it out and doesn't swallow it.

Wait - To get the most benefit from a fluoride mouthwash, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking for at least 30 minutes so you don't wash away the fluoride. A complete plan for daily dental hygiene is centred around twice-daily tooth brushing and flossing, but you may also want to consider oral rinses.

Oral rinses may contain a variety of ingredients to battle bacteria in the mouth, including cetylpyridinium chloride CPC , a germ-fighting ingredient which has been shown to be safe and effective, although a small number of people have reported a temporary unpleasant aftertaste. Other oral rinse ingredients include povidone iodine and essential oils. But any oral rinse can help enhance your daily dental hygiene routine. Overall, using a mouthwash with povidone iodine, essential oil or chlorhexidine significantly reduced plaque and reduces bacterial indicators of gingivitis.

A fourth mouthwash that contained an herbal extract did contribute to plaque control but the improvement was not significant. Studies have shown that oral rinses can reduce more plaque and more signs of gingivitis when used in addition to tooth brushing compared with tooth brushing alone. The answer to the question on what mouthwash does varies depending on the type of mouthwash.

Some freshen breath, others provide an anti-cavity benefit from fluoride, while others contain germ-killing ingredients to help prevent plaque buildup on teeth. You have many options, and the right mouthwash or rinse for you is the one that meets your dental hygiene needs for the health of your teeth and gums, and taste preference. To help choose the right mouthwash or rinse, remember what mouthwash does and keep these points in mind:.

Alcohol: yes or no? The ADA states that you may choose to use mouthwash before or after brushing based on personal preference. That said, mouthwash manufacturers may recommend an order based on their product's ingredients, so check the label on your product to ensure that you maximize its effects. Mouthwash can enhance your oral care routine, but remember: It's not a substitute for regular brushing and flossing. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes to remove food particles and plaque from your teeth, and floss once a day to clean between your teeth and along your gumline.

If you want to make further improvements to your daily oral care routine, consider these tips from the Mayo Clinic and the ADA :. While it's not a replacement for brushing and flossing, mouthwash can play an important role in your oral hygiene routine. It can help to freshen your breath, remove plaque and reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease. For help deciding whether to use mouthwash before or after brushing, talk to your dentist.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Shop Now. Our Mission. Contact Us. Did you know that when mouthwash was first discovered for oral health in , it was used as a surgical disinfectant?

Today, mouthwash is used to supplement proper brushing and flossing. Though this antibacterial rinse is great for taking your dental hygiene to the next level, there are also other uses for mouthwash as well.

The many benefits and uses of mouthwash cannot be overstated. Not only is it great as an antiseptic and antibacterial solution, but it also promotes cost savings at the same time. Just think, you can replace a handful of cleaners and products with just one bottle of your favorite mouth rinse. Though mouth rinse can be used a number of ways, make sure you use it to keep your smile bright and healthy first!