Dentists have a split opinion when it comes to the question of whether a mouthwash is really necessary or not. It can never replace regular brushing and is not a short cut for people who don’t like to floss.
A mouthwash is like the final rinse after a thorough brushing session. Most companies claim that their product prevents diseases of the gums and cavities. Dentists are of the opinion that it strips the inner lining of the mouth and the tongue. It has it benefits and harmful effects depending on its chemical composition. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using a mouthwash.
1. Brushing most essential
Brushing your teeth can never be replaced by a mouthwash. Most dentists believe that brushing and flossing was more than enough to keep teeth in good health. The right way to use a mouthwash is immediately after brushing. Gargling with it for a minute is essential to get the best results.
2. Covers up bad breath only temporarily
Using a mouth wash is not a permanent solution for bad breath. You need to get your teeth checked by a dentist to find out the root cause for the smell. A mouthwash can come handy only in covering up food smell after a heavy meal.
3. Check the alcohol content in the mouthwash
Some mouthwashes have a very high alcohol content that leave a tingling and blazing feeling in the mouth after every use. This can irritate the sensitive tissues and cause more damage than relief. Avoid such mouthwashes or consult a dentist.
4. Increasing chances of oral cancer
There have been studies that indicate that people who used a mouthwash for a very long time were more prone to oral cancer. The research is still going on but the fact that the high alcohol content puts the patient in a vulnerable position is a serious concern.
5. Use a mouthwash recommended by a dentist
There is a lot of confusion regarding which mouthwash to buy and what to look for in it. There are some with fluoride, others with alcohol and some with both. The best way out is to ask a dentist to recommend one for you. Let him decide if you really need one and for how long.
6. Reduce Cavities
Using a mouthwash with fluoride regularly can help in the reduction of cavities. The fluoride in it reduces demineralization and cavities in the teeth.
7. Lesser Gum diseases
A mouthwash that contains alcohol or chlorhexidine may prevent the formation of plaque in between the teeth and gums. It can prevent the teeth from getting infected from many diseases that are periodontal.
8. Canker Sores Reduced
The discomfort caused by canker sores is reduced by using a mouthwash. The bacteria level in the mouth gets controlled and reduces the irritation.
9. Protection in Pregnancy
Foetuses in a mother’s womb tend to be low in weight or are born before full term if the mother suffers from periodontal diseases. The bacteria can actually reach the baby from the mothers blood supply and affect his growth. Mothers who used a mouthwash regularly were reported to have suffered less of these complications.
A mouthwash is like the final rinse after a thorough brushing session. Most companies claim that their product prevents diseases of the gums and cavities. Dentists are of the opinion that it strips the inner lining of the mouth and the tongue. It has it benefits and harmful effects depending on its chemical composition. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using a mouthwash.
1. Brushing most essential
Brushing your teeth can never be replaced by a mouthwash. Most dentists believe that brushing and flossing was more than enough to keep teeth in good health. The right way to use a mouthwash is immediately after brushing. Gargling with it for a minute is essential to get the best results.
2. Covers up bad breath only temporarily
Using a mouth wash is not a permanent solution for bad breath. You need to get your teeth checked by a dentist to find out the root cause for the smell. A mouthwash can come handy only in covering up food smell after a heavy meal.
3. Check the alcohol content in the mouthwash
Some mouthwashes have a very high alcohol content that leave a tingling and blazing feeling in the mouth after every use. This can irritate the sensitive tissues and cause more damage than relief. Avoid such mouthwashes or consult a dentist.
4. Increasing chances of oral cancer
There have been studies that indicate that people who used a mouthwash for a very long time were more prone to oral cancer. The research is still going on but the fact that the high alcohol content puts the patient in a vulnerable position is a serious concern.
5. Use a mouthwash recommended by a dentist
There is a lot of confusion regarding which mouthwash to buy and what to look for in it. There are some with fluoride, others with alcohol and some with both. The best way out is to ask a dentist to recommend one for you. Let him decide if you really need one and for how long.
6. Reduce Cavities
Using a mouthwash with fluoride regularly can help in the reduction of cavities. The fluoride in it reduces demineralization and cavities in the teeth.
7. Lesser Gum diseases
A mouthwash that contains alcohol or chlorhexidine may prevent the formation of plaque in between the teeth and gums. It can prevent the teeth from getting infected from many diseases that are periodontal.
8. Canker Sores Reduced
The discomfort caused by canker sores is reduced by using a mouthwash. The bacteria level in the mouth gets controlled and reduces the irritation.
9. Protection in Pregnancy
Foetuses in a mother’s womb tend to be low in weight or are born before full term if the mother suffers from periodontal diseases. The bacteria can actually reach the baby from the mothers blood supply and affect his growth. Mothers who used a mouthwash regularly were reported to have suffered less of these complications.