July 2022

Of course you want to take good care of your teeth! You know the importance of brushing and flossing thoroughly and often and of visiting your dentist twice a year for check-ups and cleanings. But along with these other important ways to keep your teeth healthy, you may be wondering if you should include mouthwash as part of your oral health care routine – does it really do anything or is it just a waste of money?

Should you be using mouthwash?

There is a kind of mouthwash for just about any problem you might have, such as bad breath, tooth sensitivity, and dingy teeth that you want to whiten, and there are mouthwashes with flouride to give you a bit of extra help preventing plaque build-up and cavities. If you are in doubt as to which one you should use, you can always ask your dentist what he or she recommends.

However, maybe you’ve tried mouthwash in the past and just didn’t feel like it did anything. Believe it or not, there is a right way and a wrong way to use mouthwash!

• Remember that using mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing, flossing, and eating a nutritious diet and limiting your sweets.

• You should gargle for at least a minute to get the real benefits of using mouthwash.

• If you have sensitive teeth, you should stay away from mouthwash with alcohol in it, because that will only make sensitive teeth worse.

• After you brush your teeth, wait for half an hour before using mouthwash. The chemicals in the toothpaste and the chemicals in the mouthwash can often cancel each other out so that neither of them work like they should.

If you can find a mouthwash that works for your needs and then use it properly, it can make a great addition to your brushing and flossing routine. Take good care of your teeth every day, and make sure to call Bentz Dental Implant & Prosthodontic Center if your teeth are causing you pain or if it is time for a dental checkup. Call (610) 272-6949 for an appointment today!