708-422-1900 If you want to improve your dental health, then it’s important to make sure that you’re using mouthwash. Mouthwash, also known as mouth rinse or oral rinse, is a liquid used for cleaning the mouth, usually through swishing or gargling. Using mouthwash will help you remove plaque from your teeth and fight the development of gum disease.
Removing plaque from your teeth daily is an essential part of a good hygiene routine. When plaque remains on teeth too long, it can form tartar, which eventually leads to gum disease. Rinsing with a mouthwash solution, in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing, can help you keep your mouth clean and healthy.
You should know about the different kinds of mouthwashes: therapeutic and cosmetic. While cosmetic mouthwashes only freshen breath, therapeutic mouthwashes are used to kill harmful bacteria, and they can also freshen breath. Therapeutic mouthwashes contain antiseptic compounds which reduce the level of bacteria in the mouth. When bacteria in the mouth isn’t cleaned out, it can form plaque, then tartar, and eventually gum disease. Many types of therapeutic mouthwashes have side effects aside from cleaning out bacteria, such as teeth whitening and breath freshening. Some mouthwashes can be used to treat inflammation, dry mouth, and fungal growth.
Some people may find mouthwash to be particularly beneficial. For example, if you find brushing and flossing difficult habits to maintain, then rinsing with mouthwash is a great baseline you can set for yourself — though it will not totally compensate for good brushing and flossing habits.
If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of using mouthwash, then come in for a visit with Dr. Chris Pallotto and our team. Please make an appointment with Oak Dental Associates by calling our Oak Lawn, Illinois, office at 708-422-1900 now. We can’t wait to see you!