What Does Mouthwash Actually Do?

Recommended by the majority of dentists, mouthwash is now considered an integral part of our oral hygiene, aiding both brushing and flossing in helping to fight against plaque, cavities and gum disease. Of course, this does beg the question; what does mouthwash actually do? Well, fortunately, we’re here to provide you with the answers.

What Does Mouthwash Do?

As part of our daily oral hygiene routine, mouthwash is effective at reducing the risk of bad breath, plaque build-up, cavities and even gingivitis. When combined with regular brushing and flossing, mouthwash helps fight tooth decay and greatly improves general oral health. In fact, mouthwash should be considered the icing on top of the cake that is brushing and flossing. Yes, the cake’s still made, but it’s missing that little extra flavour. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key benefits of using mouthwash:

Freshens Breath

Just a small swig of mouthwash after a meal can help remove leftover food and bacteria that will ultimately lead to bad odours, not to mention alleviating you of that good old fashioned coffee breath. Mouthwash helps freshen your breath between meals, as well as remove any bacteria or plaque left behind from brushing or eating, keeping your breath fresh all day long. Of course, it’s important to remember that you should always combine mouthwash with a consistent all-around oral hygiene routine, so be sure to keep up the flossing and brushing too!

Reduces Plaque

Mouthwash, again when combined with an effective daily brushing and flossing routine, can help remove nasty food particles that can later lead to gum disease. Reducing plaque build-up, the risk of gingivitis is greatly diminished when you use mouthwash in conjunction with a consistent oral hygiene routine. If not treated, plaque can quickly lead to cavities, tooth decay and gingivitis.

Fights Cavities

Mouthwash that has been injected with fluoride as a key ingredient is crucial here, helping to further reduce the impact of plaque, support mineralisation and maintain healthy teeth and oral hygiene. Most kinds of over-the-counter toothpaste contain fluoride as a key ingredient, so you should always try to source mouthwash with this too.

Here at Acorn Dental Health, we’ve been providing local dentists to the Southampton area for the last 60 years and can provide a range of services for all your dentistry needs. Visit us for a simple check-up or a range of dental treatments, including teeth whitening, dentures or facial aesthetics. Contact us today.