Brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis is great – but if you use mouthwash, you’ll obtain even better overall oral health. And since your oral health is directly related to your systemic health, this makes it critical to take care of your mouth.
With that in mind, let’s look at what mouthwash can do for you.
Does it help?
The efficacy of mouthwash largely depends on the type you’re using. One with fluoride will absolutely help prevent cavities, as fluoride is one of the best things you can use to keep your teeth cavity-free.
Mouthwash also has the ability to soothe and heal canker sores more quickly by ridding the area around them of more bacteria. The alcohol in mouthwash is a great cleansing agent. This is why it’s also expected to fight gum disease, because the alcohol kills bacteria and ensures plaque buildup remains minimal.
Can it harm me?
Generally speaking, no, mouthwash can’t cause you any harm. While there have been numerous studies regarding a potential link between alcohol-heavy mouthwash and oral cancer, any mouthwash with the American Dental Association seal of approval is deemed safe.
Remember that mouthwash doesn’t replace brushing and flossing. Those are two activities you still need to do on a regular basis, but adding mouthwash to the routine will greatly improve your overall oral health.