Of the various questions that our dental staff here at Advanced Indiana receives on a regular basis, “Do I need to use a daily mouthwash?” tends to be one of the most popular. This is a very good question! While most people know that it is highly recommended to brush your teeth two to three times a day and that flossing should be a part of your daily oral hygiene practice, people aren’t quite as sure about how often they should be using mouthwash. While some people associate the use of mouthwash with going on a date or for use after a sandwich containing plenty of onions, there are many benefits surrounding a daily mouthwash.

Today, Advanced Indiana will be telling you all of the reasons that you should consider using a daily mouthwash. Mouthwash is more than just a tool for eliminating halitosis and making for better social interactions! While everyone wants to have fresh breath, your oral health and overall well-being are closely linked to good oral hygiene habits that are practiced on a daily basis – including the use of a daily mouthwash.

The Benefits of a Daily Mouthwash

Research has shown that mouthwash helps to proactively prevent gingivitis and plaque. That being said, the benefits of a daily mouthwash can only be attained when used in conjunction with a good daily oral care routine that also includes brushing and plenty of flossing. Still, preventing gingivitis and plaque is just one of the many benefits of using a daily mouthwash. Secondly, studies have also shown that a daily mouthwash containing fluoride has significantly reduced the number of cavities in children by more than 50% in the last few decades.

Looking for even more of a reason to use a daily mouthwash? Practicing a daily mouthwash habit can actually help in whitening your teeth. This is because there are specific mouthwashes that can give you a whiter and brighter smile. These types of mouthwashes usually contain bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide, which has been found to leave teeth looking whiter over time.

Additionally, a daily mouthwash routine can prove effective in reducing overall tooth sensitivity. By using a daily mouthwash that contains arginine, an ingredient that has been found to help seal dentinal tubules in sensitive sites, you may be able to reduce sensitivity and pain. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your dentist before using any desensitizing daily mouthwash.

Finally, the use of daily mouthwash can help in soothing mouth ulcers. If you have mouth ulcers, using a daily mouthwash can work to detox the area. Since bacteria is known for irritating these sites, mouthwash is useful as it kills the bacteria.

How to Use Daily Mouthwash Effectively

As you read above, there are various benefits found in the use of a daily mouthwash; however, you will only experience such benefits when using mouthwash properly. Below, we have included some helpful tips on how to use daily mouthwash effectively so that you can get the most out of your oral hygiene routine.

Start by Brushing and Flossing

Before using your daily mouthwash, be sure to brush and floss your teeth. If brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, you should wait a few minutes before using your mouthwash so that you don’t wash away any of the fluoride and the toothpaste can have its intended effect. Once you have brushed and flossed, it’s time to move on to the next step!

Rinse and Spit

After brushing and flossing, rinse with enough mouthwash so that you can easily swish it around in your mouth. You can either use the instructions on the mouthwash itself or use between 3 and 5 teaspoons of the mouthwash. We highly recommend swishing and gargling for roughly 30 seconds for the full effect before spitting out the mouthwash. Swallowing mouthwash is never recommended.

Using Fluoride Mouthwash

Mouthwashes containing fluoride have been shown to not only rebuild weakened tooth enamel, but also reverse the earliest signs of tooth decay and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. If you’re interested in finding the best fluoride mouthwash for preventing gum disease and tooth decay, check out this helpful article by Healthline.com!

Keep Your Teeth Healthy with Advanced Indiana!

Now that you know the importance of and benefits associated with using a daily mouthwash in your oral hygiene routine, it’s time to go the distance and do even more for your oral health by booking an appointment at Advanced Indiana! If you’re in the Anderson or Fortville area and looking for a dentist that offers all of the dental services you need for a healthier way of life, look no further than our knowledgeable staff.

Offering everything from general dentistry services to comfort dentistry services, our dental staff is ready and prepared to help you on your journey to better oral health. Book an appointment online or give us a call today at (765) 622-7000 (our Anderson office) or (317) 485-7000 (our Fortville office). We look forward to working with you!