If you’ve perused the dental aisle of your local grocery store recently, you may have wondered if you should be incorporating mouthwash into your dental hygiene routine. Although some people doubt the necessity of mouthwash, dentists explain that it depends on which type you choose. Here’s a short guide to help you decide if mouthwash is right for you. 

Understanding Mouthwash Recommendations

What Types of Mouthwash Are Available?

There are two main varieties of mouthwash, therapeutic and cosmetic mouth rinses. While therapeutic mouthwashes commonly contain ingredients like fluoride to strengthen teeth or anti-bacterials to eliminate microscopic pathogens, cosmetic mouthwashes are mainly designed to temporarily freshen your breath. 

Unfortunately, there are also alcohol-based mouthwashes marketed to sanitize your mouth, which can actually be detrimental to your oral health. Alcohol can dry out the mouth and reduce salivary flow, making it more difficult for your gum tissues to fight off infections. 

How Often Should You Be Using Mouthwash? 

While it’s never a good idea to use alcohol-based mouthwashes, alcohol-free cosmetic mouthwashes can be used after each brushing session without causing any negative impacts to the smile. Additionally, your dentist may recommend therapeutic mouthwashes multiple times a day to help with gum disease and plaque reduction. 

Before you change any element of your dental hygiene routine, talk with your dentist to decide which products to use and how often to use them. If you’re currently using a mouthwash, consider bringing it along with you to your next dental appointment to discuss the product with your dentist.

If you have questions about mouthwash or other elements of your dental hygiene routine, give the team at Springville Family Dental Center a visit. For more than 30 years, these dedicated dentists, hygienists, and assistants have been helping clients across St. Clair County, AL, with a variety of different dental needs, ranging from basic checkups to full smile makeovers. To find out more about how they can assist you, visit their website or give them a call at (205) 467-6147.