To maintain good oral health, following a dental hygiene routine, which includes regular brushing, flossing, and using quality mouthwash, is essential.
If you want to incorporate oral rinse into your daily dental routine and are confused about the best time to use it, then don’t worry.
In this article, you will learn why you should use mouthwash, its benefits, types, and ideal times to incorporate oral rinse into your routines.
Find more tips and oral directions to a brighter smile at our blog.
Should You Use Mouthwash?
Have you ever thought is mouthwash bad for you? Mouthwash is a liquid known as a mouth rinse or an oral rinse broadly used to cleanse your mouth thoroughly. It is used with brushing and flossing, not in place of them. You may believe that mouth rinse is an unnecessary addition to your dental routine, but that’s not true, as mouthwashes have many benefits when used per instructions.
Suppose a person suffers from severe dental issues and is more susceptible to tooth decay and other gum diseases. In that case, they should use mouth rinses regularly to prevent further complications related to dental health.
You should use mouth rinse after brushing and flossing to enhance its effects and remove food particles and residues altogether.
Benefits of Using Mouthwash?
Is mouthwash necessary for daily teeth cleaning? Is mouthwash good or bad for your teeth? Does mouthwash kill bacteria? According to research, it has antimicrobial properties and maintains oral health by reducing the load of harmful bacteria that cause dental diseases.
It’s an effective way to keep the teeth healthy at home as its regular use will aid in the prevention of gingivitis and other oral health-related issues.
Out of other oral benefits, some prominent benefits of using oral rinse are as follows;
- Prevent tooth decay
- Control bad breath(Halitosis)
- Aid in Teeth Whitening
- Help Combat dry mouth
- Reduce chances of gingivitis
- Kills bacteria
- Enhances oral hygiene. Reduces sensitivity
- Strengthening enamel Teeth Whitening
- Reduces plaque and gingivitis
- The debris remover
What are the Types of Mouthwashes?
There are different kinds of mouthwashes available in the market. Their effectiveness largely depends on the ingredients present in them.
Considering your dental problems, your dentist will help you make the best decision.
The types of oral rinses are:
1. Fluoride Mouthwashes
These oral rinses contain sodium fluoride as their main active ingredient. Fluoride is known to prevent cavities and helps strengthen the tooth enamel. They also aid in fighting against tooth decay and other oral infections.
Fluoride in these rinses fixes tooth decay in its early stages and strengthens tooth enamel against acid attacks.
2. Antiseptic Mouthwashes
Antiseptic mouthwashes inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, helping heal mouth sores.
These mouthwashes contain chlorhexidine gluconate, which helps people with halitosis and other dental infections.
They also prevent bad breath(halitosis) by reducing the load of Sulphur, which is the main culprit behind halitosis.
It’s advised to use antiseptic mouthwashes for a limited period as their overuse can cause tooth discolouration.
3. Prescription mouthwashes.
Prescription mouthwashes contain chlorhexidine as their primary active component. According to some studies, chlorhexidine has proven activity in treating gingivitis and other gum diseases. They aid in reducing gum inflammation and bleeding.
However, these mouthwashes are not meant to treat periodontitis as they are a more severe form of gum disease that requires medical attention.
4. Cosmetic Mouthwashes
These are mainly used to prevent bad breath temporarily. They are great for making your breath smell and mouth taste good.
They don’t have any antibacterial or antimicrobial properties and are used to rinse away food residues from the mouth.
Fluoride mouthwashes should not be used sparingly as they may result in some serious health issues.
For instance, too much fluoride can lead to problems like brittle bone, thyroid issues, and more chances of fracture.
5. Natural Mouthwashes
Do you know how to use mouthwash with water or other liquids? Essential oils, herbs like calendula and echinacea, mint and aloe vera, and salts are all found in natural mouthwashes.
You may use baking soda and distilled water to create your homemade oral rinse at home.
What is the Ideal Time to Use Mouthwash?
While some dentists advise using mouth rinse after brushing to maximize the impact of fluoride, others recommend using it before to remove bacteria and food particles.
Following are their benefits and drawbacks before and after brushing:
Before Brushing Pros
What do you think about when you should use mouthwash? Should you use mouthwash before brushing or not? Here, we share the cons and pros of using it before brushing. There are as follows:
1:Prevent Bad Breath
Antiseptic chemicals are found in an oral rinse that destroys microorganisms that produce foul breath. You might feel cleaner and breathe better using an oral rinse before brushing.
2Decrease Plaque Built-up
After Brushing, using oral rinse will help reduce plaque and bacterial buildup. It causes the plaque to become softer, which facilitates brushing away.
revitalizes the breath
3:Remove Debris
By using oral rinse, you can assist in dislodging food particles and debris that have become lodged in your teeth, making cleaning easier. Find more information at this post:
Before Brushing Cons
There is no such reason why you shouldn’t use mouthwash. However, there are some disadvantages of using mouthwash before brushing, such as:
1:Dental Problems
Before brushing, mouth rinse might conceal oral problems, including cavities or gum disease. It’s critical to schedule routine dental visits to detect any underlying issues requiring attention.
2: Overuse of product
There are some side effects of using too much mouthwash. Using oral rinse before brushing may seem like you’ve finished your dental hygiene regimen, which could encourage product misuse. It’s critical to use your mouth rinse according to the manufacturer’s instructions or your dentist’s.
After Brushing Pros
Here, we share the benefits of using mouthwash every day. Below are its benefits
1:Freshens Breath
After brushing, mouth rinse can help keep your mouth clean and freshen your breath.
2:Reaches Places That Brushing Is Missing
Oral rinse helps eliminate leftover bacteria and debris by reaching places that brushing and flossing can’t.
3:Boosts Fluoride Defense
The benefits of toothpaste with fluoride can be increased by using mouth rinse after brushing. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, which helps prevent tooth decay.
After Brushing Cons
Increased Sensitivity
Sensitivity when using oral rinse after brushing might occur in those with sensitive teeth or gums.
Whatever strategy is chosen, it’s critical to remember that brushing and flossing are the two most important ways to maintain good dental hygiene; mouth rinse should not be their place. Regular dental cleanings and exams are also necessary to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Bottom Line
Oral rinse can be a valuable addition to your oral hygiene regimen, but it shouldn’t be used instead of brushing and flossing. In addition to lowering your risk of cavities and gum disease, it can help you breathe cleaner and remove plaque. See your dentist for advice on when to use mouth rinse—before or after brushing. Find more information about dental health at oral directions blog.
FAQs
Is it better to use mouthwash before brushing?
While some dentists advise using mouth rinse after brushing to maximize the impact of fluoride, others recommend using it before to remove bacteria and food particles.F
What is the correct order for oral hygiene?
To maintain good oral health, following a dental hygiene routine, which includes regular brushing, flossing, and using quality oral rinse, is essential.
Can I use mouth rinse without brushing?
No, it is not advisable, as it is not a substitute for brushing or flossing.
How to use mouth rinse correctly?
Follow the instructions. It’s recommended to use 20 ml mouth rinse to rinse your mouth. Avoid diluting the rinse with water for effective results.
Why does mouthwash burn?
High levels of alcohol in mouthwashes cause a burning sensation. Overuse of mouth rinse can also cause mouth sores and a burning sensation.
Does mouthwash expire?
Yes, they have a shelf life of 2- 3 years if stored properly. Their colour changes after expiration; discard the product if it becomes hazy.