How Does Mouthwash Help Maintain Dental Health?

Whether you use mouthwash on a regular basis or are contemplating it, you may be wondering if it is genuinely beneficial. 

Mouthwash does, in fact, have its own set of benefits that contribute to your dental health.

In this article, Dr. Seung Lee, DDS, and his team at Del Mar Family Dental Care in Aurora, Colorado, share some insight on why mouthwash is important for maintaining good oral health.

When to Use Mouthwash?

There is no hard and fast rule on when to use mouthwash. Mouthwash is used by most people as a part of their everyday teeth-cleaning routine to prevent bad breath. If mouthwash is used after brushing and flossing, it helps strengthen the tooth enamel and prevent gum disease.

Is Mouthwash a Substitute for Brushing and Flossing?

Mouthwash has the ability to eliminate germs in the mouth, strengthen the teeth, and prevent gum disease. However, it can never be a substitute for brushing and flossing and is not a necessity for your oral health as well. 

If you brush for two minutes twice a day and floss once a day, using mouthwash is optional.

Benefits of Using Mouthwash

• Since it is a liquid, mouthwash can reach all the parts in your mouth, including the roof of your mouth, your tongue, and your inner cheeks, where you wouldn't normally brush or floss. Therefore, it can help kill more germs.
• Fluoride, found in several types of mouthwash, acts as an extra layer of defense to keep your teeth healthy and prevent cavities.
• If you have canker sores, mouthwash can help you get rid of them quickly.

How Does Mouthwash Work?

Antiseptic chemicals like alcohol, menthol, and eucalyptol are used in mouthwash to destroy microorganisms. These substances penetrate the gaps between your teeth and hard-to-reach areas such as the back of your mouth, eradicating the germs that accumulate there.

If you want to know more about different types of mouthwash or want to get a thorough dental checkup, schedule an appointment at Del Mar Family Dental Care by calling (303) 577-0062 or visiting us at 797 Peoria St. Unit A, Aurora, CO 80011.