The Truth About Mouthwash

Mouthwash is marketed as a quick, easy solution for fresh breath and a clean mouth. But is it helpful, or is it an unnecessary additional step in your oral hygiene routine? 

At Austin Advanced Dentistry, our team specializes in oral hygiene, and we're here to help answer all your questions. While mouthwash is no substitute for brushing and flossing, it can play a valuable supporting role in your oral health. Let's break down what mouthwash does, how to use it effectively, and what kind of mouthwash is best for your smile.

The benefits of mouthwash

Mouthwash is a liquid used to rinse your mouth. You swish the recommended amount in your mouth, then spit it out without rinsing with water afterward. Mouthwash is best known for its ability to give you minty fresh breath, but it can do even more than that.

Antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce plaque and bacteria, which helps prevent gum disease. Antiseptic and antibacterial mouthwashes can fight bad breath and give you a cleaner, fresher feel. Fluoride-containing mouthwashes can also help protect your teeth from decay by reinforcing enamel.

However, it's important to understand that while mouthwash can benefit oral health, it can't replace brushing, flossing, or professional dental care.

When to use mouthwash in your routine

For most people, mouthwash is best used after brushing and flossing — not before — and here's why. First, brushing and flossing remove the bulk of food debris and plaque from your teeth and gums. Using mouthwash afterward helps rinse away any lingering particles and delivers active ingredients, like fluoride, to clean surfaces and get into tight spaces.

If you use a fluoride toothpaste, try to wait about 30 minutes after brushing before using mouthwash, especially if your mouthwash doesn't contain fluoride. Waiting helps ensure the fluoride from your toothpaste has time to absorb into your enamel without being rinsed too quickly.

If you don't use a fluoride toothpaste or your mouthwash contains fluoride, feel free to rinse shortly after brushing and flossing. Mouthwash can also be useful during the day if you need a quick refresh or can't brush right after a meal.

What kind of mouthwash to use

The best mouthwash for you depends on your overall dental health, and we can provide personalized recommendations to meet your needs. In general, fluoride mouthwashes help strengthen enamel and protect against cavities.

Antiseptic or antibacterial mouthwashes with chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride help fight bacteria that cause plaque buildup, inflammation, and gum disease. If you have sensitive teeth, we might recommend using an alcohol-free formula to avoid irritation.

Don’t skip professional cleanings — even if your teeth are healthy

Even if you brush, floss, and rinse daily, there are areas of your mouth that you can't clean well enough. Plaque that you miss hardens into tartar, which is impossible to remove with brushing and flossing alone — and that's why regular professional dental cleanings are so important.

At Austin Advanced Dentistry, we offer convenient, comprehensive teeth cleanings. We thoroughly clean your teeth, remove hardened tartar, and check for early signs of decay or gum disease to help keep your teeth and gums in peak condition.

So, regarding your oral hygiene routine, consider mouthwash a helpful bonus, not a replacement for expert care. And if it's time to schedule your next cleaning, we're here to help you keep your smile fresh and healthy. Call our Austin, Texas, office at 512-886-6734 or request an online appointment.