Your oral hygiene isn’t so hard to manage. In fact there are various ways in which you can ensure you keep your dental self clean and tidy. One major factor to look into is mouthwash.

Mouthwash or as we call it oral rinse, is a method in which you make use of liquid product to rinse the teeth, gum and mouth.

There are various kinds in the market and it is actually really good and effective. The major use of mouthwash is that it kills the really harmful bacteria that forms on your teeth. But while you may say that even toothpaste can get it done, how is mouthwash more useful?

Well, with a mouthwash, it can also kill the bacteria which is forming between your teeth and the ones on your tongue.

Here’s something more interesting- mouthwash in no way replaces the use of brushing or flossing, it merely compliments it.

In this article, we will be talking about the benefits of mouthwash, the kinds, how to use it and any precautions to follow.

So let’s begin:

What is Mouthwash?

how mouthwash helps in oral hygiene

This is a rinsing of the mouth which in no way replaces your regular oral hygiene. Which includes brushing and flossing twice in a day.

It provides an added benefit to your routine actually. The major effect is that it helps to freshen your breath. Especially if you are suffering from the chronic condition called halitosis.

Some mouthwashes are simple in formula and some provide more benefits and function. Like certain mouthwashes are actually impactful to protect your teeth against plaque and bacteria. Some can even protect and prevent the teeth form fungal infection.

It all comes down to the kind of mouthwash you are using and if you need a dentist’s prescription to use one.

Types of Mouthwash

When it comes to the kind of mouthwash you use, you will find a range of brands in the market. But when it comes down to the use and type, there are majorly two kinds:

what kind to use

Therapeutic

This kind of mouthwash is usually used for the ones with serious cases. It has plenty of active ingredients which are effective in killing bacteria. It is also useful in reducing the plaque, gingivitis, cavities and bad breath in the mouth. They are of clinical use and those with medical conditions which is causing bad breath in their mouth, are suggested to make use of this type.

Cosmetic 

This kind as the name suggests is basically more or less a quick solution to your bad breath. It leaves a pleasant taste in the mouth and rids of bad breath caused by issues like eating smelly foods or haven woken and not brushed the teeth. This type is not useful and not effective in reducing the risk of cavities or any gum disease in the mouth.

Whichever you opt for , make sure that you have a proper prescription which will make their usage readily available for you.

I also wanted to hit upon the topic of how do children make use of mouthwash:

Children and Mouthwash

Now you will see that there are different kinds of brands offering mouthwash for the children. But some parents are under the notion that it is not useful and effective for children. Also it can prove to be dangerous for young children.

While there is no harm in children above the age of 6 making use of mouthwash, the fact is that those below the age of 6 should not use it at all. This is because younger children can feel nausea, even vomiting when they accidently swallow the mouthwash.

Hence for younger kids it is not advisable. Also since one of the active ingredients is alcohol, intoxication in a child is also possible.

So why should you be using a mouthwash? Let’s quickly go through the benefits checklist:

Advantages

added advantages of mouthwash

Mouthwash comes at par to brushing and flossing when we talk about oral hygiene. They might even be more benefitting, because mouthwash can even reach places between the teeth and swipe off the accumulating bacteria on the tongue.

You need to have something of use in this regard as it helps to reduce the risks of gum diseases like periodontal disease. It also helps to control the risk of cavities happening.

Other major benefits include:

  • It protects your teeth from tooth decay 
  • It is able to reduce the formation of  plaque on the teeth. This is a thin film of bacteria that forms on the teeth.
  • It is effective in reducing gingivitis which is actually the first stage of gum disease
  • Also helpful in reducing the speed at which tartar forms on your teeth
  • Helps to freshen breath

With so many benefits to it, using a mouthwash should be your priority. But there are certain steps and method to use a mouthwash effectively.

Let’s now talk about that:

Ways to Use Mouthwash Effectively

So the first thing you need to know is that different kinds of brands sell it. Look into the labels to see the ingredients and speak to a dentist if you have a dental and chronic condition. Your dentist who know your oral history will better guide you on what kind of mouthwash you apply.

Step1- Brush your teeth properly.

You will have to make sure that brushing and flossing is not skipped. If you use fluoride toothpaste, you should wait a while before moving onto flossing. This is because right after brushing it actually washes away the concentrated fluoride in the mouth.

Step2- Amount of mouthwash to use 

the right amount for mouthwash

Now you need to see how much mouthwash to make use of . Pour the liquid in the cup provided or make use of a measuring cup and make use of only 3 to 4 teaspoons of mouthwash. The more you use, the more it will irritate and even erode the teeth.

Step3- Rinsing and Spitting 

So the final step is actually carrying out the rinsing process. Now you will empty the cup in your mouth. You move the mouthwash around in the mouth by swishing it side by side. Remember to not swallow the mouthwash.

Gargle for 30 seconds. This is important. If you can’t do it in one go, take a break and then gargle the remaining time. Once done, spit the mouthwash into the sink. Repeat the same procedure at least once or twice in a day.

When and How Often Should I Be Using Mouthwash

Your mouthwash is your way of ensuring your teeth and the space between them is cleaned off bacteria and plaque.

It is essential that you use the mouthwash as part of your daily oral routine. But whenever you feel that you are having bad breath, it is not a problem to use mouthwash at that time too.

If you speak to any dentist or oral health expert, you will come to know that there are no hard and fast rules on when to use a mouthwash. However it provides more benefits and protection against tooth enamel erosion if you make use of mouthwash, right after flossing or brushing.

Hence when it comes to how often should you be using it, for the best results, you should make use of mouthwash right after brushing and flossing.

So now that we know all that is needed to be known about mouthwashes, I want to hit upon the precautions you should take when using it.

Precautions To Follow

As you already know that mouthwash contains high volume of alcohol and fluoride. These ingredients are harmful and should not be taken in, especially by children. So for children, you should not be using it under the age of 6.

Also adults who fall into the habit of swallowing it every now and then, it is actually quite harmful. So don’t do that often or quit its usage for some time.

And if you have open sores and even oral lesions, you should first speak to the dentist to know if it is suiting your need and the state of your mouth or not. Sores actually represent some underlying issues in the mouth. Hence it is best to know the reason of formation before you apply it.

Conclusion

using mouthwash twice a day is beneficial

Mouthwash is one of the best ways to attain proper oral hygiene. It is actually quite effective, especially when you make use of it alongside brushing and flossing.

Using mouthwash helps to get rid of bacteria and film of plaque which starts to form on your teeth. It is also effective to remove the bacteria that is between teeth.

But when using it, there are certain precautions and guidelines you must follow. This includes rinsing, gargling 30 times and spitting it all out.

You should not swallow the mouthwash as it also contains alcohol and has active ingredients. Children under the age of 6 should not use mouthwash. While a mouthwash is effective to remove the bad breath in the mouth, it can also be used to remove plaque and bacteria. But in certain cases, it is best to speak to your dentist before you start using it.