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While mouthwash can be a helpful addition to your daily dental routine, it’s not a perfect solution. To provide some insight on the benefits and downsides, trusted dentist Stacy Lesley DDS in Concord, NC, has shared the pros and cons of using mouthwash.

Pros

Fights Gum Disease & Gingivitis

When you eat and drink, plaque builds up on your teeth and can become trapped in the gums and lead to disease if not properly removed. One of the biggest selling points of mouthwash is that it helps to fight this buildup and prevent the gum disease gingivitis. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to the more serious periodontitis, a gum infection that destroys the bone supporting your teeth.

Helps Prevent Cavities

dentistIn addition to preventing the development of serious gum diseases, mouthwash can also help prevent cavities. The fluoride in mouthwash strengthens and protects tooth enamel and reduces the demineralization caused by acidic foods.

Cons

Can Reduce Toothpaste Effectiveness & Increase Sensitivity

On the downside, mouthwash can sometimes reduce the effects of teeth brushing, as the chemicals in the wash can cancel out those in the toothpaste. It’s best to leave about thirty minutes in between brushing and rinsing with mouthwash to reap the most benefit from both. In addition, the alcohol in many mouthwashes can create teeth sensitivity, as it will dissolve the layer of mucus that helps protect them.

Not Always Worth the Money

Brushing and flossing are the key components of maintaining proper dental hygiene. For the layperson with a healthy mouth, mouthwash is often an unnecessary additional step. However, if you already suffer from dental decay or disease or have bad breath that you’re looking to mitigate, mouthwash can be a useful investment.

If you’re in need of a visit to the dentist, look no further than Stacy Lesley DDS in Concord, NC. As a trusted pediatric and family dentist, Dr. Lesley provides clients with everything from standard dental care to tooth extraction to cosmetic dentistry. To schedule an appointment today in her clean and comfortable dentist office, give a call at (704) 766-1488 or visit the office online.

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