Maintaining clean habits is important at all times of the year. However, COVID-19 is making everyone extra cautious when it comes to infection control and sanitation. While hand-washing, social distancing, and staying at home are some of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs, maintaining self-care habits matters too, such as dental hygiene. If you’re looking for a great way to bring your oral healthcare to the next level, it’s worth giving products like oral rinses a second look. Here are the many benefits you can expect!
Prevents Plaque Buildup
It’s important to keep in mind that mouthwash is not intended to replace brushing and flossing altogether. Mouthwash is intended to supplement your oral care routine and reduce the risk of plaque buildup after you’ve already performed your routine brushing and flossing. If you want the goal of your mouthwash to prevent plaque buildup first and foremost, make sure to look for it on the label so you can get the most out of your product. This will make future dental hygiene easier to complete.
Stops Cavity Formation
You may have noticed that the active ingredient in your toothpaste is fluoride, which is an essential part of at-home oral care. This is because fluoride is meant to strengthen your already existing enamel as well as kill any harmful cavity-causing bacteria. Brushing is still necessary to prevent cavity production, but mouthwash can reduce your risk even further of this occurring. Again, it’s important to confirm from the label if the mouthwash contains fluoride or not.
Removes Loose Food Particles
All different types of food can get stuck in between your teeth, whether it’s chicken, sliced bread, or candy. Regardless of the food you eat, you never want that food to be caught in your mouth for long periods of time. With sufficient flossing and brushing, you should be able to do this. However, since flossing can be difficult for some people, it can make a difference to have a mouthwash on hand to loosen up food particles to make your habits easier. You can even use the mouthwash just before beginning your routine to get the process started.
Choosing the Right Mouthwash for You
When choosing a mouthwash, there are a few important factors to keep in mind:
- Opt for a mouthwash containing fluoride as this will best lower your risk of developing cavities and reduce plaque development.
- Avoid mouth washes containing alcohol as these can actually increase the risk of dry mouth, a condition that promotes bacteria production.
- Make sure to read the instructions on the label so you know exactly what to expect when incorporating it into your treatment.
On top of all these benefits, you can expect your breath to be much fresher as well, giving you the confidence to speak with friends and family! Consider adding an oral rinse you enjoy using to your routine today!
About the Author
Dr. Byars has been serving the community of Kansas City for many years now and does everything that he can to ensure his patients have the tools they need to protect their oral health in between dental exams and cleanings. If you need to reschedule an appointment due to COVID-19 restrictions, please contact him through his website.