You may take great care of your teeth. You brush twice daily, floss every evening, and avoid sodas and candy. But are you missing a key element to your dental health? Mouthwash may seem like an unnecessary step, but there are multiple benefits to using mouthwash regularly. While mouthwash will certainly leave your breath smelling and feeling fresh, reducing bad breath is not one of the five reasons we recommend including it in your oral hygiene routine. I mean, we are certainly glad that your breath smells minty fresh! But we want to show you five ways mouthwash positively impacts dental health.

Five Benefits of Mouthwash:

1. Wash Away Food Particles

Rinsing with mouthwash after you eat may have more impact than waiting until after you finish brushing your teeth in the morning. Consider bringing a travel-size bottle of mouthwash with you to work so that you can rinse your mouth after lunch. This will not only freshen your breath but wash away any lingering food particles while simultaneously killing bacteria.

2. Reduce Plaque Buildup

Look for specific mouthwashes that reduce plaque buildup on your teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky substance that adheres to your teeth and if left untreated, can lead to cavities. Mouthwash cannot eliminate plaque that has already formed which is why you need to continue brushing, flossing, and scheduling routine cleanings at your dentist’s office. However, the regular use of mouthwash can help reduce plaque growth.

3. Fight Gum Disease

Plaque buildup can lead to red, swollen, tender gums due to food and bacteria left on the teeth. There are varying intensities of gum disease, but even the slightest symptoms can be painful. Be proactive in preventing gum disease by including an antibacterial mouthwash in your oral hygiene routine.

4. Minimize Tooth Decay

Mouthwash also helps prevent cavities. We recommend checking the label on your mouthwash to ensure it includes fluoride. Fluoride helps strengthen your tooth enamel, offering you more protection against tooth decay.

5. Heal Canker Sores

Canker sores are a type of ulcer found in the mouth. If you develop a canker sore, using an antibacterial mouthwash will help the sore heal faster.

There are many benefits to using mouthwash that will protect you from many dental issues. As you add mouthwash to your daily oral hygiene routine, remember that many dental problems can be prevented with regular exams and cleanings. To schedule a routine exam for the whole family, contact Atkins & Anderson, DDS today.