How Mouthwash Can Help You

If you would like extra protection against tooth decay and gum disease, consider adding rinsing with mouthwash to your daily oral hygiene routine. Mouthwash does not replace brushing and flossing your teeth, but it can complement the positive effects to your oral health. Mouthwash can do many things for your smile, including:

• Reduce the rate at which tartar forms on the teeth
• Freshen your breath
• Help prevent tooth decay
• Reduce or prevent gum disease

You can buy most types of mouthwashes without a prescription. Dr. Rossana T. Alfonso can advise you about what type of mouthwash is best for you based on your dental health. Look for a mouthwash that has the ADA seal on the label. These mouthwashes are proven to be safe and effective. They also do what they advertise.

Even though each type of mouthwash will have its own set of instructions, some mouth rinsing tips are universal. It doesn’t matter if you use mouthwash before or after you brush and floss your teeth, as long as you do it. Swish mouthwash for about 30 to 60 seconds. If you swish for less than 30 seconds, you may not get the full benefits of using mouthwash, and more than one minute is more than enough. Be patient when waiting for the results of mouth rinsing to appear. If your mouthwash is meant to whiten your teeth or help improve bleeding gums, it may take a few weeks for improvement to be apparent.

We encourage you to contact Mira Mesa Dental Care today to learn more about mouthwash in San Diego, California, and to schedule a visit with our dentist.