Our teeth are some of our most vital organs. They assist in digesting our delicious food and can even help you get or prevent you from getting a date. Our poor teeth are one of the few organs other people actually judge. While looking decent is fairly important, our oral health can play a major role in our overall health, thus making the state of our teeth a high priority. We all know that brushing and flossing at least twice a day is recommended, but what about the use of mouthwash? Is it as important to incorporate this into your daily oral hygiene routine to help prevent tooth decay?
There are many misconceptions about mouthwash, including the proper way to use it. Many people chose to wash their mouths out after each time brushing, but depending upon the brand, it can usually be done once a day, separate from brushing. Many people chose to use their mouthwash after lunch. This will help eliminate the bad breath caused by food and help eliminate bacteria when most people are at work and cannot brush their teeth.
Cosmetic or Therapeutic?
It’s also important to note that there’s a difference between a cosmetic mouthwash and a therapeutic mouthwash. Cosmetic mouthwashes will simply mask or cover up bad breath without actually eliminating the bacteria that causes the bad breath. This type of mouthwash might be best for quick use after dinner on a date or perhaps on your way to an important meeting or interview after just having some coffee.
Therapeutic mouthwashes can actually eliminate the bacteria that causes bad breath as well as help reduce plaque, gingivitis, and cavities. Some of them may even have an ADA seal, which means they can prove their product reduces inflammation and eliminates bacteria.
Watch ingredients
Most dentists agree that it’s best to use a mouthwash that contains fluoride. This chemical helps protect and harden the enamel on your teeth, helping prevent tooth decay. It is also important to make sure the mouthwash is alcohol-free. While some people feel the burning and discomfort, they experience using mouthwash with alcohol is a sign of it working and it’s probably not that at all. Mouthwashes that contain alcohol take a larger toll on your teeth, including in the shine, hardness, and color. The alcohol may also perpetuate bouts of dry mouth, especially if you’re prone to it already.
Adding the proper mouthwash to your daily oral hygiene routine can be very beneficial to your overall health. Check with our dental office and see which type might be best for you while keeping in mind which characteristics you’d prefer. After all, realizing the difference the between cosmetic and therapeutic mouthwashes could be the reason you land that second date later.