Sunday 21 May 2017

Mouth Rinsing: Do’s and Don’ts

There are so many choices when it comes to freshening your breath. However, if you wish to keep your gums and mouth healthy, make mouth rinsing a part of your routine. Mouthwashes can help reduce gum disease, tartar, tooth decay, and plaque.

Why do you need to rinse?

Please remember, mouthwash does not substitute flossing and brushing. However, if you add in the habit of rinsing your mouth after meals (especially, if you can’t brush), it will help protect you from gum problems and cavities. Fluoride rinses are very helpful in preventing tooth decay.

When mouthwash is added to an oral care routine of flossing and brushing, it targets the conditions that you may be facing. For instance, using a teeth whitening wash may not brighten your teeth in just three washes but if you brush well and use the mouthwash, you will start seeing the results over a period of time.

A mouth rinse will not cure oral ailments that are serious. If your gums are bleeding or if you suffer from consistent bad breath, make sure you see your dental expert. He may be able to prescribe a mouthwash which is stronger than the type you have purchased over the counter.

Ingredients of a mouthwash:

Read the labels of the product carefully. The benefits and ingredients they offer may vary by the brand. They normally include the following:

1. Fluoride. It assists in preventing cavities and reducing tooth decay.
2. Antimicrobials. They help in killing bacteria that lead to plaque, bad breath, and gingivitis, swelling of the gums during early gum disease stages.
3. Astringent salt. This is a kind of deodorizer that can cover up halitosis temporarily.
4. Odor neutralizers. They help to attack the root of bad breath.
5. Whiteners. They will assist against tooth stains.

How to choose a mouthwash?


Since there are different types of mouth washes for different purposes, it is best to choose a product based on the biggest condition you wish to treat. If you prefer natural or organic products, ADA also recognizes some of such mouth washes.

What is the best way to rinse a mouth?

While there are instructions with every brand, here are some generic rules:

1. There is no best time to swish your mouth with a mouthwash. It does not matter if you do it after brushing or before.
2. It is best to swish for thirty to sixty seconds. If you do it for less than half a minute, it won’t be as effective. Swishing for more than a minute is the maximum you should go.
3. Be patient with the results. If your mouthwash is made to whiten teeth or cure bleeding gums, it will probably take a few weeks to give the desired results.

Dentists recommend including mouthwash in your daily oral care routine to add to the health of your mouth. However, if you have hyper sensitive teeth, it is best to first talk to your dentist about it.