The dentist recommends that you use antibacterial mouthwash as part of strong oral hygiene. Also known as an oral rinse, mouthwash is a liquid used to rinse your teeth and gums to reduce dental plaque build-up and kill harmful bacteria that live inside the mouth, particularly around your teeth and on your tongue.
Mouthwash is also beneficial to fight against bad breath and tooth decay.
It is important to address that whilst the dentist recommends using mouthwash, this doesn’t mean it replaces brushing or flossing your teeth. As part of a strong oral routine, including mouthwash alongside brushing and flossing will deliver significant hygiene benefits to your oral health.
What Does Mouthwash Contain?
Key ingredients of mouthwash include:
- Chlorhexidine – an antibacterial property that reduces bacteria in the mouth and treats gingivitis (gum disease)
- Fluoride – used to strengthen teeth and fight tooth decay
- Menthol – Prevents and treats bad breath
How Does It Work?
Mouthwash helps to kill bacteria using antiseptic ingredients. Some mouthwashes are alcohol-free, and these ingredients combine together to penetrate between your teeth and stubborn places at the back of your mouth to kill collected bacteria. This reduces any chances of tooth decay or enamel erosion. These ingredients coat your teeth so that your enamel becomes stronger and stain-resistant.
How Do I Use It Safely?
There are certain instructions you must abide by when using mouthwash. The volume of fluoride and menthol
(Some contain alcohol properties) is quite high and if high amounts of mouthwash is used, this may cause underlying health issues.
It is also important that you do not swallow it either, as the natural properties may cause gastric distress and cause nausea.
Follow these steps carefully when using mouthwash safely:
Step 1 – Brush and floss your teeth as normal and rinse your mouth after.
Step 2 – Most mouthwashes indicate the level you should pour in the cup provided. The cup relates to the top used to open and close the bottle. Typically pour 4 to 5 teaspoons in the cup.
Step 3 – Empty the cup safely into your mouth and swish it around your mouth for a period of 30 seconds. You may also gargle it at the end for the properties to reach the back of your tongue and throat.
Step 4 – Spit it out into the sink.
Mouthwash should typically be used after you brush and floss your teeth in the morning and once at night before you go to sleep. All mouthwashes will have instructions on the back of the bottle. You may also consult our Lotus Brunswick dental team for further advice.
Contact us for further advice and book yourself in for a check-up at Lotus Dental Brunswick today!