Should I Use Mouthwash

Having a daily routine for your dental care is very important to your overall health. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Here at your Spanish Fork Dental we care about your dental health and want the best for you and your mouth. As you clean your teeth daily the question is should you also use mouthwash? Does mouthwash even help?

Mouthwash can indeed freshen your breath. There is nothing like gargling that fresh minty liquid in your throat giving you a feeling of freshness in your mouth. If you have bad breath, mouthwash is definitely a good option. Does mouthwash do anything else for you?

Mouthwash cannot replace brushing and flossing your teeth but it can give you the edge you may need in your mouth. Unlike mouthwash, brushing and flossing uses friction and actually rubs against your teeth to remove plaque. Mouthwash does not have the same effect. Mouthwash can kill bacteria but if you are brushing and flossing everyday it will not make a huge difference.

Pros:
1. Mouthwash will freshen your breath. When you eat you can leave behind some bacteria and mouthwash will get rid of all of that. Mouthwash will get rid of bad breath.

2. Mouthwash can help reduce plaque. With brushing and flossing, mouthwash can help reduce the plaque that can build up on your teeth.

3. Mouthwash has fluoride. Fluoride is a great mineral when it comes to fighting cavities off. Mouthwash is a great source of fluoride as long as you don’t wash it out after use.

Cons:
1. Mouthwash may only mask your bad breath. Depending on how bad your breath is, mouthwash may not be able to do the job. Brushing and flossing daily will guarantee that you have good breath.

2. Can be dehydrating. Mouthwash can reduce your production of saliva.

3. Mouthwash can be irritating. Too much alcohol can be irritating to your mouth and make your mouth uncomfortable.

Overall it is your choice whether you use mouthwash or not it can help but the biggest thing you need to do is brushing and flossing daily.