Benefits of using mouthwash

As the name implies, mouthwash is a liquid product used to rinse teeth, gums and tongue. Mouthwash is continuously swished or gargled in the mouth. Antiseptics are usually present in mouthwashes to kill harmful bacteria that live between your teeth and on your tongue.

When should people use mouthwash?

It is recommended to use mouthwash before you begin brushing your teeth or several minutes after – even up to 30 minutes later. The reason for not using mouthwash right after brushing is because we want to let the fluoride in toothpaste do its work on the teeth. Since mouthwash’s job is to rinse the teeth clean, we want to either have the teeth rinsed clean prior to brushing or much later so the effectiveness of the fluoride is not diluted.

How can it be used in combination with other oral practices?

  1. Use floss to loosen any physical debris that could be stuck in between your teeth. Curious about the right ways to floss? Click here to learn the correct way.
  2. Use mouthwash to rinse the teeth of all physical debris and to clean the teeth, gums and mouth prior to brushing. These two steps provide a solid foundation for the fluoride and other active ingredients inside toothpaste to be most effective.
  3. Brush your teeth for two to three minutes, ensuring that you have also brushed your tongue as well. Check out our blog about brushing your teeth here.

Mouthwash is an effective and important tool in your arsenal of oral hygiene products to achieve healthy, strong gums and teeth. It should not be used as a replacement for brushing, but in conjunction with it.