If you’ve ever walked the oral care aisles of any drugstore, you know that there are many different types of mouthwash. Some tout their germ-killing abilities, others emphasize their fluoride content, and some claim to whiten teeth while freshening the breath. These are all great benefits, but will they help you improve your oral health in Burnet?
Many individuals wonder if daily mouthwash should be part of their dental routine. Brushing and flossing are the two important habits that have the greatest influence on dental health, so if you’re doing these two things, is mouthwash necessary?
Dental Habits Can Effect Oral Health in Burnet
When our dental patients ask about mouthwash, we tell them that as long as they follow the instructions for use on the bottle, mouthwash may slightly benefit oral health in Burnet, even if it doesn’t live up to every promise as claimed. Rinsing with a mouthwash that contains fluoride can’t hurt your teeth, but allowing a bit of diluted toothpaste to stay on tooth surfaces after brushing probably has the same effect.
Men and women who suffer from bad breath often believe that mouthwash can solve the issue. Actually, mouthwashes that contain alcohol can worsen the problem because they can cause dry mouth—a condition that can exacerbate bad breath. Mouthwashes without alcohol are commonly more powerful for freshening breath. These products are frequently called fluoride rinses.
If you have persistent bad breath, however, you should have your teeth analyzed for plaque build-up. No amount of mouthwash can remedy a mouth full of plaque. If your teeth and gums are healthy and you still suffer from bad breath, it’s important to ascertain the cause. Bad breath can be an indication of a physical condition, so see your doctor soon. Bottom line? Never substitute mouthwash for proper brushing and flossing. And if you use mouthwash, opt for a brand that contains fluoride and no alcohol to improve your oral health in Burnet.
Schedule an Appointment
At Ritchie Dental Group, we like to tackle important issues such as dental products, cosmetic dentistry procedures, over-the-counter teeth whitening, sedation dentistry, invisible braces, pediatric dentistry, oral care habits, and more! If you are interested in making an appointment, please call us at 830-693-8833. A member of my friendly and comprehensive staff can answer any questions you have about our services.
Contact Ritchie Dental Group:
830-693-8833
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1000 Marble Heights Dr, Marble Falls TX
Marble Falls, Texas
78654
