Your mouth may feel fresh after using mouthwash, but that doesn’t mean you should ditch the toothbrush and floss!
Mouthwash can be a good addition to your oral health routine. But if used wrong, can have little impact on the health of your teeth and gums.
As a rule of thumb, you should always follow the instructions on your mouthwash product to get the most out of it. But there are some basic instructions that most mouthwash have that we’ll discuss below:
1. Brush First
To truly get all the benefits out of your mouthwash, you should brush and floss your teeth first. You can use mouthwash to help with bad breath at other points in the day, but without brushing and flossing, fighting off bad breath is the only benefit you’ll get out of it.
2. Use The Right Amount
Most mouthwash products come with a cup that can hold the amount you need to use to rinse your mouth. You can, however, use a plastic measuring cup if you don’t want to use the cup.
Usually, you’d need between 3-5 teaspoons to thoroughly rinse but it’s best to follow the directions on the packaging.
3. Swish, Swish
Set a timer or count to 30 seconds while you swish the mouthwash around your mouth. Make sure not to swallow any of it as it is made for oral use only.
Gargle it and make sure to get it to areas that the floss and toothbrush can’t reach well.
Then you can spit it out into the sink, and you’re done!
Mouthwash Tips
Here are a few tips to help you achieve your best smile with mouthwash:
- Use your mouthwash only once a day if it contains fluoride
- Use a cosmetic mouthwash whenever you only want to freshen your breath (but don’t overuse it!)
- Before using mouthwash, wait 20-30 minutes after brushing your teeth so as to not wash away the fluoride or any other protective agents from the toothpaste
- After using mouthwash, wait 30 minutes before consuming anything
- Do not rinse your mouth out with water after using mouthwash
- Lastly, ask your dentist if you’re unsure of anything!
Mouthwash may not be in everyone’s routine, but it can certainly be beneficial if used right. It adds a bit of extra care to an oral hygiene routine, but the ultimate way to maintain your oral health is to see your dentist every 6 months.
This will help you take care of your pearly whites and prevent potential dental issues. If you’re in need of a check-up, book an appointment with us and we’ll be happy to help you!
