Choosing a Mouthwash That’s Right For You
While you shouldn’t use mouthwash in place of brushing and flossing, using effective mouthwash is a great way to take your oral care routine up a notch. Mouthwash not only keeps your , but it can also prevent cavities and gum disease. There’s an endless amount of quality mouthwashes on the shelves all claiming different things, and it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which one is the best, which is why most individuals seek out the help of their local dentist. If you’re having trouble choosing a that’s right for you and your oral health, then you’re in the right place!
Are You Prone to Cavities?
If you tend to get cavities often, using a fluoride-containing mouthwash will be very helpful for you. Fluoride prevents tooth decay by strengthening your enamel. Using a fluoridated mouthwash usually isn’t necessary if you’re already using fluoride-containing toothpaste, but it couldn’t hurt to use both. Fluoridated mouthwash is especially helpful for people who suffer from xerostomia, or dry mouth. People with xerostomia don’t have enough saliva to wash away food debris and acid, which can lead to tooth decay. Using can help prevent decay from occurring by washing away those harmful foods and acids.
Do You Suffer From Gum Disease?
Anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis mouthwashes are designed to prevent and reduce tartar buildup and gum disease. This kind of mouthwash can reduce the bacteria that lead to plaque buildup and eventually gingivitis. Again, mouthwash shouldn’t replace your current , but it’s helpful for when you don’t do the best job brushing and flossing. Also, anti-plaque mouthwash can slowly freshen your breath over time by reducing the bacteria that cause halitosis, or bad breath. For serious cases of gum disease, your dental professional can prescribe a stronger mouthwash for you.
Do You Have Bad Breath?
Many people use mouthwash solely for freshening their breath. Cosmetic mouthwashes that are only for freshening breath don’t necessarily kill odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. Because this type of mouthwash only temporarily freshens your breath and doesn’t always kill oral bacteria, it doesn’t provide long-term benefits. If you’re just looking for fresher breath, you can use as a supplement to your oral care routine.
Do You Have Children?
If you have children at home, it’s a good idea to go with an alcohol-free mouthwash. Mouthwash containing alcohol can be harmful if swallowed in large amounts, especially for children. Even if you already buy special mouthwash for your kids, you should still consider choosing an just in case they go digging through your things.
Get Professional Advice
If you’re still not sure what kind of mouthwash to choose, you should talk to your . Your dentist is the best source for mouthwash recommendations since they know all about your oral health and history. Call (614) 878-9562 today to talk to our about mouthwash or to schedule an .