When most people put together their grocery lists, they often forget to add one important item — mouthwash. Instead, they opt to purchase only toothpaste and dental floss. However, mouthwash boasts many benefits you should be made aware of — as well as a few cons to consider. Family First Dentistry is a local dentist’s office in Anchorage, AK, that offers general and cosmetic services, such as teeth cleaning and teeth whitening treatments. Their staff of compassionate dental care professionals is dedicated to helping clients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles, and they encourage everyone to take good care of their pearly whites.

What Are the Pros & Cons of Mouthwash?

Mouthwash can be a real asset to your morning and evening teeth cleaning routine. By just swishing mouthwash around in your mouth for 30 to 60 seconds, you could easily help prevent your smile from developing future cavities by cutting down on tooth mineralization. Mouthwash has also been found to aid consumers in proactively combating periodontal disease by clearing out bacteria that tries to cling to your teeth. This is especially important for expectant mothers, who are vulnerable to infections and could wind up experiencing pain and premature labor as a result.

While there are certainly many advantages of using mouthwash, it’s always important as a consumer to be well-informed about the potential drawbacks. Since mouthwash often contains alcohol, it can irritate sores and cuts inside your mouth, causing temporary pain. Mouthwash also won’t be able to treat any underlying oral health conditions you may already have. It may cover up bad breath, a symptom of poor oral hygiene, but it won’t be able to provide any long-lasting solutions.

Learn about the pros and cons of mouthwash to better understand the dental care product. Call Family First Dentistry at (907) 562-2820 to schedule a teeth cleaning appointment to ensure your smile stays healthy. Visit their website to learn more about the office’s other dental services, like braces and same-day crowns. You can also find the team on Facebook.