Why You Shouldn’t Skip Mouthwash

So you’ve nailed brushing like a rockstar: twice a day, timed for 2 minutes every brush. That’s awesome! It’s so important for your dental health. And you’ve followed through on what your dentist recommended: you floss every day. This helps remove food and plaque in areas your toothbrush can’t reach, especially around the gum line. But should you be using mouthwash, too?

Absolutely! Like flossing, adding mouthwash to your daily dental care routine removes food debris, bacteria, and reaches areas of the mouth that regular brushing, and even flossing, cannot. An oral hygiene routine that includes mouthwash has been proven to be effective at reducing tooth decay and gum disease. It’s definitely something you should do at least once a day.

Here’s what you need to know when it comes to using mouthwash to improve your dental health:

Mouthwash Makes Daily Dental Care Comprehensive

“I like to say mouthwash is an addition to proper oral hygiene, not a substitute,” Matt Messina, a member of the American College of Dentists and a spokesperson for the American Dental Association, tells Time Magazine. “It’s not going to take the place of your morning brush or twice-yearly dentist visit, but it may help freshen your breath, and in most cases it’s not harmful.”

Mouthwash reaches areas of your mouth simple brushing and flossing cannot. This will lead to healthier teeth and gums, and fewer chances of dental emergencies. The areas of your mouth most susceptible to becoming the source of dental problems are between the teeth and at the gum line.

A combination of brushing and mouthwash cleans and stimulates the gums, and flossing takes care of between the teeth; a combination of all three make for a comprehensive dental care routine (in addition to those 6-month dental cleanings and exams at your family dentist’s office).

ADA: Young Children Shouldn’t Use Mouthwash

The ADA doesn’t recommend mouthwash for children who are 6 and under. On its website, it states: “Children younger than the age of 6 should not use mouthwash, unless directed by a dentist, because they may swallow large amounts of the liquid inadvertently.”

That probably applies to children in general. But that doesn’t mean teaching your kids oral hygiene as early as possible, which includes taking them for regular cleanings at the dentist, isn’t all-important to their long-term oral health. Once you’re sure your kids can understand that swallowing mouthwash is not a healthy option, you can add it to their dental hygiene routine. Ask your family dentist for advice if you’re wondering whether it’s time to introduce mouthwash into your child’s dental hygiene regimen.

At-Home Dental Cleaning Care: DIY Saltwater Mouthwash

When it comes to adults, mouthwash has real benefits for your oral health, even a simple saline mouthwash you can make at home:

• Dissolve a teaspoon of salt into a mildly-warm glass of water.
• Swish it around for about a minute.
• Spit: Do not swallow the salt water.

Dentists recommend swishing with salt water 3 to 4 times a week. The salt will kill bacteria that cause tooth decay. It will also help disinfect your mouth. However, make sure the salt is fully-dissolved; you don’t want abrasive salt particles scraping your teeth.

Regular Use of Mouthwash Prevents Gum Disease

There are bacteria on your teeth that release acids that eat into your gums and can cause cavities. Mouthwash helps to kill these harmful bacteria, as well as the bacteria (some of which you’re bound to miss even with the best brush-and-floss routine) that collects at your gum line and can cause gingivitis.

“If you have periodontal disease or some harmful types of mouth bacteria, an antibacterial rinse could help kill the bacteria that cause the disease,” Messina says.

The Type of Mouthwash You Use Matters

The therapeutic benefits of mouthwashes can vary depending on the type and the brand. Some are really only designed to target bad breath, and others target issues like receding gums and weakened enamel. Be wary of mouthwashes that rely heavily on alcohol, as these can dry out the mouth, which can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease. The best mouthwashes are rich in fluoride.

Healthy mouthwashes carry the ADA seal of approval. As the ADA states on its website, “A company earns the ADA Seal of Acceptance by providing scientific evidence that demonstrates the safety and efficacy of its product, which the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs carefully evaluates according to objective requirements.”

A holistic method of mouthwash that’s trendy right now is oil pulling. This is where you use a healthy oil like coconut oil, and you swish it around for about 5 minutes, trying to pull it back and forth between your teeth. While some people are using this method as a replacement for brushing and flossing, we wouldn’t recommend that; there’s no substitute for brushing and flossing.

Prescription Mouthwashes are Available for Decay and Gingivitis

If you face extensive gum disease or tooth decay, your dentist may prescribe a prescription mouthwash not available over the counter. These often have fluoride levels higher than you can get in OTC products, which help rebuild tooth enamel. Prescription mouthwashes can help ward off infection and include powerful medications that can further battle the bacteria that causes gum disease and tooth decay. Talk to your dentist to see if a prescription mouthwash is right for you.

Pregnant Women Benefit from Mouthwash

If you are pregnant, mouthwash is especially recommended. It helps to fight “pregnancy gingivitis,” a special type of gum disease experienced by pregnant women. Unfortunately, gum disease that some pregnant women develop can lead to birth complications and even premature labor. Mouthwash can help prevent gum disease and protect the health of the mother and infant.

Moral of the story: mouthwash is a smart addition to your daily dental care routine. And when it comes to avoiding oral pathologies like gum disease, tooth decay and jaw shrinkage, a comprehensive oral health regimen that includes regular visits to your family dentist for professional cleanings, exams and x-rays is the best way to prevent issues and keep your mouth healthy long-term.