Many people wonder whether they need to use mouthwash and whether mouthwash truly has any substantive benefits other than improving one’s breath. In many cases, it does. Please continue reading and speak with our knowledgeable New Jersey dental team to learn more about the potential benefits of using mouthwash. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the benefits of using mouthwash?
There are a wide variety of benefits of using mouthwash. To start, you should ensure that you are using a mouthwash that contains fluoride, as fluoride is proven to help fight cavities and prevent periodontal disease. That being said, there are additional benefits to mouthwash, including the fact that many types of mouthwash contain chlorhexidine gluconate, which aids in preventing bacterial growth in the mouth, which reduces the risk of infection. Furthermore, mouthwash also helps remove any leftover food particles in your mouth after eating. This is why you should use mouthwash first and then brush your teeth, as mouthwash makes brushing all the more effective. Finally, mouthwash does help reduce plaque, and, of course, makes your breath smell minty fresh.
Are there any potential downsides of using mouthwash?
Under certain circumstances, there are potential downsides of mouthwash. To start, if you are someone who uses a mouthwash with high alcohol content, it may damage mucous membranes in your mouth, and it may also worsen canker sores (under certain circumstances. In other cases, it may help canker sores). However, if you are someone with sensitive teeth and gums, the alcohol found in mouthwash may cause irritation. Finally, you should understand that those under the age of 5 should not use mouthwash unless a dentist prescribes it, and mouthwash can be highly toxic to ingest in children between the age of 6-12. That being said, in many cases, the benefits of mouthwash strongly outweigh the potential drawbacks, and in many cases, most people can use mouthwash without experiencing any noticeable negative side effects. The bottom line is that while mouthwash is not a replacement for brushing, flossing, and going to the dentist regularly, it can be an effective supplement. If you have any additional questions, feel free to give our experienced New Jersey dental team a call today.
Contact the Dental Associates of Basking Ridge
Dental Associates of Basking Ridge is a compassionate, gentle, and professional state-of-the-art dental practice serving Basking Ridge, Morris & Somerset County. Our office is always ready to greet our patients with a smile, take the time to answer any questions, and provide the quality dental services our patients expect. Please contact us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you!
