The minty fresh sensation mouthwash offers is pleasurable, but it’s not the only reason to use mouthwash on a daily basis. If you’ve ever wondered about the benefits of mouthwash, here’s what it can do for you.
Freshen Your Breath
Perhaps the most noticeable benefit of using mouthwash is fresh breath. While that minty effect is temporary, mouthwash actually kills bacteria in the mouth known to cause bad breath. To ban bad breath takes more than mouthwash, but it’s a good start.
Block Plaque Build-Up
When plaque builds up on your teeth, it causes oral health problems. Mouthwash actually prevents plaque from reaching those hard-to-reach places on your teeth, such as between the teeth or on your gums. Mouthwash can’t remove plaque that’s already there (that’s what brushing and flossing are for) but it can prevent new layers of plaque from taking root.
Prevent Cavities
When you use mouthwash and brush and floss daily, you can prevent cavities. For ultimate protection, look for a mouthwash that contains fluoride, which not only prevents cavities but strengthens your tooth enamel. Not all mouthwashes contain fluoride, which means that not all mouthwashes deliver on cavity prevention. Our Tampa dentist is always happy to recommend reliable products during teeth cleanings.
Whiten Teeth
There are certain mouthwash brands that can actually whiten your teeth. Results vary and of course a tooth whitening treatment is the ultimate way to give your teeth a pearly shine. If you’re interested in tooth whitening, seek out a mouthwash that contains hydrogen peroxide. This will both whiten your teeth and give you a bright smile.
Prevent Gum Disease
If you don’t remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth, you can develop gum disease. Gum disease is painful, with inflammation and oral infections frequent symptoms. For pregnant women, gum disease is linked to premature births and lower birth weights for babies. The inflammation caused by gum disease can actually go into the bloodstream and cause contractions that lead too early births.
We always recommend that pregnant women use mouthwash daily during their pregnancy as a safeguard against premature labor. For all our patients at risk of developing gum disease, we recommend an antibacterial mouthwash that reduces bacteria in the mouth.
Rinse the Mouth
If you’ve ever used mouthwash on the go, then you appreciate the way it can remove particles from your mouth. We recommend keeping a travel sized bottle of mouthwash in your car or purse, so you can quickly rinse out your mouth after a meal. This can help you avoid an embarrassing gaffe, such as taking an important meeting with food stuck to your teeth, while also protecting your teeth and gums from bacteria.
We hope this information will help you take excellent care of your teeth in between regular visits with our Tampa dentist. If it’s been awhile since you’ve had your teeth cleaned, or if you’re interested in one of our other services such as teeth whitening, schedule your appointment today: 813-501-6864.