Our Saint Louis dentists hear many questions from concerned dental patients about whether or not it is important to use mouthwash or mouth rinses. As with most thing in dentistry, the answer depends on your unique situation: the state of your smile and your oral health goals. Today we are reviewing some helpful information about incorporating rinses into your daily oral hygiene routine.
When it comes to rinsing your smile, there is one habit that can benefit pretty much every dental patient. If you find that you are struggling to maintain a fresh and clean mouth throughout the day, try to start rinsing your mouth with water after you eat and/or drink something other than water. Just take a moment to vigorously swish clean water around your mouth so as to dislodge dental debris and promote saliva production.
If you are looking for a specially-formulated mouth rinse, talk to your dental team about what kinds of ingredients are appropriate for your smile. Some mouthwashes, for example, contain fluoride, which helps enamel re-mineralize and stay strong. Another consideration is whether or not to use a mouth rinse that contains alcohol; alcohol helps to freshen your mouth, but some patients find it drying. There are also mouth rinses that have ant-plaque and oxidizing properties.
In general, the best time to use a mouthwash is as the final step in your oral hygiene routine. First you floss, then you brush, and then you use a mouthwash to rinse away any debris and coat your mouth with any oral-health-enhancing ingredients.
If you have questions about adding a mouth rinse into your daily oral hygiene routine, you can always contact our Saint Louis dentists to get more information and schedule a consultation. Together we can help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile for years to come!