Many people that come to our office are concerned that they are doing enough for their oral hygiene. And lots of people do a pretty good job. Activities like brushing and flossing fit comfortably into their morning and evening routines. And they are undeniably effective at removing plaque that contributes to tooth decay and gum disease. But the bacteria in your mouth lives in other places than just your teeth. Using mouthwash can help clean the rest of your mouth.
Your mouth is home to billions of bacteria, and brushing and flossing can’t take care of all of them. In addition to causing tooth decay and gum disease, they can contribute to bad breath. Antimicrobial mouthwash can kill these bacteria and leave a fresh taste in your mouth.
Mouthwash can also work to combat tooth decay. Mouthwashes containing fluoride work to reintegrate strengthening minerals into tooth enamel that are lost over time. This helps make teeth less susceptible to decay from harmful acid.
Some mouthwashes contain whitening agents. They tend to be fairly mild, but over time they can whiten teeth somewhat.
Although mouthwash is a great additional tool for oral hygiene, it cannot and should not replace brushing and flossing. But it can clean areas of the mouth that can’t be brushed. If you would like to learn more about home oral hygiene strategies or want to schedule a cleaning appointment with Dr. Gregory Stahr, please call All Stahr Dental PSC today. We are here to serve everyone in the Lexington, KY, area.