If you have suffered from dental problems, you will know why it’s so important to take care of your teeth properly. It is costly to go to a dentist, and the experience is painful as well. The basic rule of dental care is brushing teeth properly twice a day. But this is not enough. You should use mouthwash as well. Should you rinse your mouth after using mouthwash? It’s something many people don’t know.
Besides brushing your teeth, you should also use mouthwash daily. Bad breath or halitosis is a problem for many people. Mouthwash can keep your breath fresh and give you healthy teeth as well.You must know the proper way of using mouthwash to get the full benefit from it.
Should you rinse your mouth after using mouthwash with water?
You should use mouthwash for gum health and also for getting fresh breath. Though many people rinse their mouth with water after using mouthwash, it is not a good practice. Mouthwash contains fluoride, and it may be washed away if you rinse your mouth with water. Fluoride is vital for healthy teeth. So, you won’t get the full benefit of using mouthwash.
Every time you wash your mouth with mouthwash, your mouth is protected for 12 hours against germs. You must use the right amount of mouthwash as indicated in the bottle or according to your dentist’s advice. You should rinse for 30 seconds and then spit out. You shouldn’t swallow it. Fluoride can be toxic if it is swallowed in large amount. It is recommended that you refrain from drinking, eating or smoking for at least 30 minutes after you have washed your mouth with mouthwash.
There are different brands of mouthwash. The brands have different concentrations. Some brand recommends that you dilute the mouthwash with water. So, read the instructions on the bottle before using it.
Should you use mouthwash before or after brushing?
According to the American Dental Association, it doesn’t matter in which order you use your mouthwash. But some people think that you should first do flossing, then use toothpaste and finally mouthwash to clean every surface of your teeth and mouth. Flossing first can remove the food bits or other things from between the teeth and allow mouthwash to reach every corner of the teeth.
Some authorities believe that if you use mouthwash before brushing, then it can get rid of the plaque from the teeth’s surface. This will make your mouth cleaner. Also, many kinds of toothpaste contain fluoride, and it’s better if this ingredient doesn’t get washed away by using mouthwash after brushing.
You can follow either of the methods and get the benefit of using mouthwash. Just make sure you do all the three dental procedures of flossing, brushing and using mouthwash.
Benefits of using mouthwash
You should use mouthwash twice a day to keep your breath fresh and teeth healthy. By using mouthwash twice a day, you can get your whole mouth clean. It can fight bacteria in the teeth and gums. It can also get rid of the fungal infection or gum problems.
If you use a mouthwash containing povidone iodine, then it helps in reducing plaque and signs of gingivitis, a type of bacterial infection.
Choosing the right mouthwash
As there are various types of mouthwash containing different ingredients, you must choose the right one for yourself. Some mouthwash contains alcohol. You should be careful when you use such mouthwash. You shouldn’t swallow the alcohol, and you must keep it out of reach from children. If your mouth is sensitive, you should use a natural mouthwash that doesn’t contain alcohol. This mouthwash contains chamomile and aloe vera that gives a soothing effect to the sensitive mouth.
Some mouthwash can prevent plaque build-up. This type of mouthwash contains anti-plaque ingredients. You should take the advice of a doctor if you have a plaque or other oral problems before buying mouthwash.
You must maintain proper oral hygiene. You should brush and use mouthwash twice a day. Flossing should also be part of your daily oral routine. It helps to remove detritus that lies between the teeth, especially after eating. If you follow this routine every day, you will have less gum and teeth problem. You will also be able to avoid uncomfortable conditions like bad breath. If you feel any pain or sensitivity in your teeth, then you should visit a dentist. If you can get early treatment, then you can prevent serious dental problems.
