Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
You know about the importance of daily brushing and flossing to maintain good oral health. Does your dental care regimen include regular use of mouthwash? If not, it should. The American Dental Association even recommends it, writing, “use of mouthwash may be a helpful addition to the daily oral hygiene routine for some people.” Read on as your Greeneville family dentists at Tusculum Dental Care explain why everyone should add mouthwash to their daily oral hygiene routine.
The Benefits of Using Mouthwash
- Fresher breath – This is the most obvious advantage that comes from using mouthwash. It improves the smell of your breath, making it minty fresh.
- Fighting tooth decay – Your teeth naturally develop areas of demineralization. Certain mouthwashes help restore these areas, reducing your overall risk of cavities and tooth decay.
- Preventing gum disease – When you choose an anti-bacterial mouthwash, it will limit the total number of potentially harmful bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria, if allowed to linger, can accumulate and cause the infection that leads to gum disease.
- Whiter teeth – Brightening your teeth can make a dramatic difference in the appearance of your smile and your self-confidence. There are mouthwashes that contain a bleaching agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, and lessen tooth dingy stains when used repeatedly.
The Possible Drawbacks of Mouthwash
Alcohol – Exposure to alcohol can negatively impact oral tissue. Alcohol also can irritate the mouth, leading to issues such as ulcers and canker sores. For these reasons, be sure to consult your Greeneville dentist before using a mouth rinse that contains alcohol.
Over-reliance – You can’t substitute cologne or perfume for regular bathing. By that same logic, mouthwash is just a temporary measure to prevent bad breath. It only goes so far, which is why the use of an oral rinse needs to be combined with daily brushing and flossing, regular visits to your dentist.
Preventive Dental Care in Greeneville
At Tusculum Dental Care, we offer a comprehensive examination and a professional dental cleaning at each regular check-up at our office in Greeneville. These cleanings should begin from a child’s first birthday or when the first baby teeth emerge from the gum line—whichever happens first. Dental check-ups are only one component of maintaining good oral health. They won’t protect you from oral health risks unless you do your part at home. Using a mouthwash can help kill harmful bacteria, bolster your defense against tooth decay, and lower your risk of gum disease.
When considering a mouthwash, make sure only to choose one that has the ADA label, meaning it has been approved for use by the American Dental Association. If you have any questions about your at-home dental hygiene regimen or incorporating a mouthwash into your care, or you’ve let your schedule of regular dental check-ups lapse, call our office at (423) 639-7575.
Tusculum Dental Care welcomes patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville in Tennessee.