Everyone learns at a young age that good oral hygiene is important to maintaining a pleasant smile and living a healthy life. As we grow older, new aspects of proper oral hygiene are gradually introduced; for example: most children learn to brush their own teeth within the first 5 years of their life, and begin learning how to floss between their teeth shortly after they learn how to brush properly. Mouthwash is another beneficial tool which can also help promote good oral health in ways that brushing and flossing cannot. Today we will provide a few tips about choosing a good mouthwash, and reasons why using a mouthwash can benefit your oral health.

Why Use Mouthwash

Brushing and flossing properly are great ways to remove plaque and food particles from your teeth and gumline, but the process only agitates the daily plaque buildup temporarily. The many types of bacteria which create plaque will always be present in our mouths, but saliva helps regulate their population. Using a mouthwash after you brush and floss can help:

• Kill bad bacteria in areas of the mouth that a toothbrush and floss can’t reach.
• Reduce the chance of gum infections.
• Strengthen teeth.
• Freshen your breath.

Choosing the Right Mouthwash

There are several types of mouthwashes and it is important to find the right one for your needs. It is a great idea for everyone to use an antiseptic mouthwash which contains fluoride to help regulate bacteria while strengthening your teeth. Many mouthwashes often contain alcohol while others don’t; does your mouth tend to be dry throughout the day? Try using an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid intensifying your dry mouth. Non-alcohol based mouthwashes may be more expensive than the generic alcohol-based products, but it is a good idea to avoid the ones that contain alcohol because the acidity and sugars in alcohol tend to damage teeth over time.

Talk to your dentist at Harris Dental to help you choose the best mouthwash for you.