Mouthwash lovers rejoice at the fact that mouthwash leaves them with a pleasant minty sensation that evokes a fresh feeling in their mouth. However, mouthwash is also an essential daily practice to maintain great oral hygiene. Incorporating mouthwash into your entire family’s daily routine offers many significant benefits. 

Here are five reasons why your entire family should be using mouthwash. 

Reducing Potential Cavities 

By using mouthwash before and after you brush and floss regularly, you can reduce the chances of developing cavities. Mouthwashes that contain fluoride can help to prevent potential cavities and strengthen your tooth enamel. Remember, not all mouthwashes contain fluoride, so be sure to check the label before purchasing. Making fluoride mouthwash part of your daily oral hygiene regimen can help you to avoid any surprise cavities at your next dental visit. 

Fighting Gum Disease 

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a painful ailment that irritates your gums and tooth sockets. Gum disease can cause inflammation and infection due to plaque buildup from bacteria and food left in your mouth. By incorporating an antibacterial mouthwash, you can be proactive in fighting gum disease. 

Periodontal disease is a risk factor for pregnant women, which can lead to a premature baby at  lower-than-healthy birth weight. Gum disease bacteria can infiltrate a pregnant woman’s bloodstream and cause inflammation, resulting in contractions that can cause early labor. Use a mouthwash throughout pregnancy to combat early labor risks if you’re expecting. 

Freshen Breath

One of the key benefits of mouthwash is its ability to freshen your breath temporarily. With a variety of flavors to choose from, mouthwash will kill bacteria associated with causing bad breath. Additionally, therapeutic mouthwash contains ingredients to fight bacteria that cause bad breath. Therapeutic mouthwash can eliminate the cause of bad breath rather than simply mask the smell.

Preventing Plaque Build-up

Various mouthwashes can help to prevent plaque buildup on your gums, between your teeth, and on the surfaces of your teeth between brushing. While mouthwash prevents the buildup of plaque, it cannot reduce the plaque that already exists on your teeth. Remember always to brush and floss to remove plaque stuck to your teeth, so it does not harden. 

Removing Left-Behind Food Particles

People most commonly use mouthwash after brushing their teeth as a final step to their oral hygiene regimen. However, mouthwash can also be used before brushing to help rinse out any loose particles of food or sugar in your mouth. As a result, brushing and flossing can be more effective. 

Choosing The Right Mouthwash For Children

Children between the ages of 6-13 years old should only use mouthwash when in the presence of an adult to ensure the product is being used safely and correctly. Kids under the age of six should use oral mouth rinses only when recommended by a dental professional. Younger children who have excessive exposure to fluoride over extended periods run the risk of fluorosis, a cosmetically damaging condition that causes teeth to appear spotted or streaked. 

When selecting a mouthwash for children, aim for one that has been created just for them in a child-friendly flavor. Always ensure the mouthwash contains the ADA seal of approval. Fluoride mouthwash is most effectively used at night, and your child should avoid eating or drinking for at least one hour after using it. 

Always Look For the ADA Seal of Approval 

The American Dental Association tests oral products for effectiveness and safety. Always look for the ADA seal of approval on any oral hygiene products to ensure they are safe. The ADA rigorously tests products and are advocates for your oral health. 

Remember: A Mouthwash Can’t Replace Great Oral Care Habits

Mouthwash is an excellent tool to help you and your entire family achieve clean teeth and healthy gums. However, mouthwash will not replace brushing and flossing. The proper way to incorporate mouthwash into your hygiene regimen is to use it either before or after brushing and flossing twice per day for a full two minutes. 

If you’d like to learn more about the different types of mouthwash and which ones are the most effective for kids, then schedule an appointment with Tompkins Dental. We will discuss your family’s overall mouth health with you at your exam.