It’s common knowledge that brushing and flossing your teeth are important dental hygiene practices. Mouthwash, however, is an often-overlooked step that can provide several benefits to your overall oral health. Here’s a closer look at why you should add mouthwash to your daily routine.

Top Benefits of Using Mouthwash

1. Complete Cleaning

While toothpaste and floss are excellent tools in achieving a healthy smile, there are still surfaces between the teeth and gums that they can’t quite reach. Because mouthwash is a liquid, it can cover the spaces between your teeth that aren’t always easily accessible, allowing you to thoroughly clean your entire mouth.

2. Healthy Gums

Bacteria forms in your mouth due to the sugar and foods you eat. While the bacteria can be removed from your teeth by brushing, even minute amounts can cause irritation and inflammation to your gums, which can lead to gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. Regularly using mouthwash helps protect the health of your gums by destroying these bacteria.

3. Prevent Cavities

When food residue is allowed to build up on and between your teeth, bacteria develop and create plaque. As plaque hardens, it creates the perfect environment for decay and cavities to form. Mouthwash rinses away bacteria and plaque that are left over after brushing and flossing.

4. Custom Solutions

There are several types of mouthwash on the market, each addressing different oral health conditions and issues, including sensitivity, weakened enamel, gum health, and discoloration. If you already use a special toothpaste to treat a specific condition, adding mouthwash to your daily routine can help reinforce the benefits.

5. Fresher Breath

Tough-to-remove food particles and that same bacteria that irritate your gums are the biggest culprits behind bad breath. Because mouthwash removes these leftover particles and typically has a mint flavor, you are left with clean teeth and gums as well as longer-lasting freshness.

If you’re looking for the best advice to keep your teeth clean and healthy, talk to the professionals at William B. Collier Jr., DMD in Enterprise, AL. This family dentistry offers more than 35 years of experience providing the services you need for a beautiful smile, ranging from preventive care to restorative work. To learn more about what this dental practice can do for you or your family, visit them online or call (334) 347-5026.