It’s a persistent question, “Should I use mouthwash in my daily dental care routine?” With the convenience of mouthwash and its ability to freshen breath, it would seem like a no brainer to include this as part of your dental care. Mouthwash is an important part of many people’s daily dental care routine. It can be used to kill bad breath, prevent cavities, and help manage plaque buildup on your teeth. However, there are some downsides to using mouthwash that you should know about before deciding whether or not to use it in your daily routine. This post will discuss the pros and cons of using mouthwash daily so that you can make a more informed decision.
The Pros of Mouthwash:
-Kills bad breath: One of the most common reasons that people use mouthwash is to kill bad breath. Bad breath can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, so using a product that can help get rid of it quickly is appealing.
-Prevents cavities: Cavities are a common problem, and not just for children. However, the bacteria that cause cavities can be killed with mouthwash, which is why many people use it as a way to prevent this problem.
-Helps manage plaque buildup: Plaque builds up on your teeth throughout the day and can lead to bad breath and tooth decay if it isn’t managed properly. Fortunately, mouthwash can be used to help manage this problem and keep your teeth clean.
The Cons of Mouthwash:
-Can cause dryness in the mouth: The chemicals that are found in most types of mouthwashes have a drying effect, which can irritate or damage tissues inside the mouth. Over time, this irritation could cause the tissues to recede, which could lead to a higher risk for cavities and oral cancer.
-Can cause damage in people with certain allergies: Mouthwash is designed to kill bacteria that can aggravate your mouth or throat when it isn’t cared for properly. However, some types of mouthwashes contain chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate, which can cause allergic reactions in some people.
-Can lessen the effectiveness of certain medications: Certain medications are affected by mouthwash when they’re taken at the same time. For example, if you need to take antibiotics for an infection and use mouthwash regularly, it could reduce how well your medication works.
The final item worth discussing is what most dentists say about using mouthwash on a regular basis. Most dentists will tell you not to use it because it can actually dry out your gums making them more susceptible to disease and decay. They may also argue that you can clean your mouth effectively with just a toothbrush and fluoride rinse.
Mouthwash has its pros and cons, but it’s worth noting that not all mouthwashes are created equal. The most common chemicals found in mouthwashes can dry out your gums over time which increases the risk for cavities or oral cancer. If you’re using a type of mouthwash with these ingredients, consult your dentist before deciding to use it on a regular basis. So, should you use mouthwash in your daily dental care routine? That’s up to you!
