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| Image source: Pixabay.com |
Mouth rinsing is serious business. It’s not just a way to freshen your breath, but also a technique to keep your teeth and gums healthy in the long term. Here are some tips on using mouthwash and swishing the bad stuff away.
Use the best techniques: It doesn’t matter if mouth rinsing comes before brushing and flossing or after. Do it for 30 to 60 seconds – more than a minute is likely more than enough. Remember that it might take a couple of weeks to see results, whether your mouthwash promises teeth whitening or help against bleeding gums.
It’s not a magic bullet for bad breath: Some mouthwashes only provide a fresh feeling instead of actually curing bad breath. If you are having serious bad breath issues, try to determine the cause rather than simply mask it. Discuss the problem with your dentist.
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| Image source: Pixabay.com |
Look at the ingredient list: A high alcohol content can lead to a burning sensation in your gums, mouth, and cheeks so you might want to try an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid this. Mouthwash with fluoride also helps in the fight against cavities. Mouthwashes claiming to kill plaque and gingivitis, too, should have anti-microbial properties that temporarily slash the amount of bacteria in your mouth.
Read the label: Look for a product with an American Dental Association (ADA) seal on the label. Some organic or natural mouth rinses also have the ADA seal.
Don’t give it to kids younger than 6: These children might not have a good grasp of “swish and spit” and could suffer an upset stomach if they swallow too much mouthwash.
Kami Hoss, MS, DDS, is the CEO of The Super Dentists, the largest pediatric dentistry and orthodontic practice in San Diego. He is also a sought-after author, consultant, inventor, and speaker in the fields of dentistry and business. For similar reads, click here.
