If you’ve ever walked the oral care aisles of any drugstore, you know that there are many different types of mouthwash. Some tout their germ-killing abilities, others emphasize their fluoride content, and some claim to whiten teeth while freshening the breath. These are all great benefits, but will they help meet your oral care needs?
Many people wonder if daily mouthwash should be part of their dental routine. Brushing and flossing are the two vital habits that have the greatest impact on dental health, so if you’re doing these two things, is mouthwash needed?
I’m Doctor Robert Matlach of Matlach Dental in Huntington. When my dental patients ask about mouthwash, I tell them that as long as they follow the directions on the bottle, mouthwash may slightly benefit dental health, even if it doesn’t live up to every promise as touted. Rinsing with a mouthwash that contains fluoride can’t hurt your teeth, but allowing a bit of diluted toothpaste to stay on tooth surfaces after brushing probably has the same benefit.
Men and women who suffer from bad breath often believe that mouthwash can solve the dilemma. Actually, mouthwashes that contain alcohol can worsen the problem because they can cause dry mouth—a condition that can exacerbate bad breath. Mouthwashes without alcohol are ordinarily more efficient for freshening breath. These products are ordinarily called fluoride rinses.
If you have chronic bad breath, however, you should have your teeth evaluated for plaque build-up. No amount of mouthwash can remedy a mouth full of plaque. If your teeth and gums are healthy and you still suffer from bad breath, it’s important to know the cause. Bad breath can be an indication of a physical condition, so see your physician soon.
Bottom line? Never substitute mouthwash for proper brushing and flossing. And if you use mouthwash, choose a brand that contains fluoride and no alcohol.
We like to tackle important issues such as dental products, cosmetic dentistry care, over-the-counter teeth whitening, sedation dentistry, invisible braces, pediatric dentistry, oral care habits, and more!
My practice, Matlach Dental, provides quality dental care to our valued patients. If you are interested in making an appointment, please call us at
631-421-3388 A member of my caring staff can answer any questions you have about our services.
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Contact Matlach Dental:
631-421-3388
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
158 E Main St Ste 5
Huntington, New York
11743
