661-746-6989Mouthwash is a liquid solution used to rinse debris and bacteria form the mouth through gargling and/or swishing. When you use mouthwash, you clean your mouth and kill bacteria that can lead to the onset of gingivitis and periodontitis.
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.
Dr. Olivia Park and the team here at Adept Dental Shafter are excited to answer any further questions you have about mouthwash. Call us now at 661-746-6989 to schedule an appointment in our Shafter, California, office. We’re excited to see you soon!