There’s no better feeling than the fresh, minty, and tingling sensation after rinsing with mouthwash. Most people have used mouthwash at some point in their lives. However, not everyone understands the benefits of using mouthwash daily. Should you add it to your routine?

Mouthwash is an excellent addition to any oral hygiene routine. It’s been proven to help prevent bad breath, plaque, and gum disease. Here’s everything your Family Dentist wants you to know about using mouthwash.

How to Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash only works if you follow the instructions carefully. Before you swish, remember to start with a clean mouth. Always brush and floss first to remove any traces of leftover food. If your toothpaste contains fluoride, be sure to wait a few minutes using mouthwash. Otherwise, you’ll end up rinsing away the fluoride before it has a chance to penetrate the tooth enamel.

Measure the mouthwash using a plastic cup. You only need about 3-5 teaspoons of mouthwash to kill germs. Swish and gargle the liquid for a full 30 seconds. Some people sing a song to help them pass the time. After 30 seconds, spit out the mouthwash. Be careful not to swallow the liquid.

When to Use Mouthwash

People who use mouthwash at least once a day get the best results. What time is best to rinse? Mouthwash doesn’t know if it’s day or night, so pick a time of day that works best in your schedule. Make it part of your everyday routine to ensure you don’t forget to swish.

Do you suffer from bad breath occasionally? It’s no secret that garlicky foods or a dry mouth can cause temporary bad breath. Luckily, you can use mouthwash anytime to help freshen your bread. Before you interview for a job, meet with a client, or even go on a hot date, remember to gargle!

Mouthwash Frequency

How often should you use mouthwash? Most mouthwash brands recommend rinsing twice a day. Doing so helps to kill lingering bacteria and will improve your breath. For the best results, always brush your teeth before you use mouthwash.

If you are having trouble scheduling, we recommend buying a mouthwash dispenser for your home or office, to help you get mouthwashing in your everyday routine

While twice a day works for most people, your dentist may recommend a different schedule. For example, if you have gingivitis, your dentist may suggest rinsing more frequently to improve the health of your gum tissue. Those with oral health concerns should consult with their dentist before beginning a mouthwash regimen.

How Mouthwash Works

Why do so many dentists recommend mouthwash to their patients? When used correctly, mouthwash can help kill unwanted bacteria in the mouth. Different mouthwashes contain a variety of antiseptic ingredients, such as menthol, alcohol, or eucalyptol. These germ-killing ingredients can get into hard-to-reach crevices, including between the teeth. Mouthwash also reduces the number of germs on your tongue.

Other types of mouthwash may contain tooth-strengthening ingredients, like fluoride. Tooth enamel gets weaker over time, making it prone to decay. Fluoride helps to harden soft spots, reducing the risk of cavities. It can even help prevent tooth sensitivity.

Mouthwash Is a Powerhorse

Mouthwash can help take your oral hygiene routine to the next level. When used alongside brushing and flossing, it may help prevent gum disease, bad breath, and tooth sensitivity. Best of all, it takes a minute each day to see results. Start rinsing today, and enjoy the cooling sensation of minty, fresh breath. Your mouth and dentist will thank you later.