A mouthwash is not something that you can use instead of brushing your teeth, yet, it can help you ensure excellent oral hygiene. Many people think that, when it comes to mouthwash, it is sufficient to rinse the mouth and spit out the fluid, but that is fairly incorrect.
There are 3 crucial things you should know about mouthwash – which is the right one for your teeth, how to use it, and when you should use it.
In this text, we will give you all the important information about mouthwash that you need to know so you can get the best possible results.
How To Use Mouthwash
1. Determine what is the mouthwash that you need
This is the first fundamental step you need to take when preparing to use the mouthwash. Maybe this step seems trivial to you, but be sure that it is not.
If you buy mouthwash that is not appropriate for you, you can experience negative side effects. Ulcers, teeth staining, changes in taste – those are just some of the previously mentioned negative effects.
Firstly, you should know that there are several sorts of mouthwash, but there are two main sorts:
- cosmetic mouthwash and
- therapeutic mouthwash.
If your wish is to disguise unpleasant breath smell, you can use cosmetic mouthwash, but if you wish to decrease the number of bacteria, therapeutic mouthwash are the ones that you need.
The main difference between those two types is that these cosmetic ones do not lessen plaque, gingivitis or cavities – they just make your mouth taste and smell nicer.
The opposite of that is therapeutic mouthwash, which can reduce plaque and gingivitis. Also, it can make your teeth look whiter than they were before using this product for oral hygiene. And what is more important, they reduce dangerous bacteria in your mouth.
Some of those therapeutic mouthwashes contain fluoride, which can be great for the prevention of the cavity.
When you consider all this information, it is up to you to determine what is the mouthwash you need to purchase.
2. Proper use of mouthwash
After buying a mouthwash that suits your needs, the next important step is to know how to use it the right way.
Firstly, look up for the instructions written on your mouthwash bottle and see what the required dosage is. Normally, a suggested dose will be about 20 ml, except for those fluoride mouthwashes which should be used in smaller doses (about 10ml).
Also, you should look if there are measures on the bottle`s cap – it could help you in measuring the correct quantity of mouthwash.
After this step, you should pour the measured dose into your mouth. It is necessary for you to be careful and give your best not to swallow the mouthwash. Some of those mouthwashes may contain substances which are difficult to ingest.
When the mouthwash is in your mouth, you should swish it for 30 to 60 seconds. While swishing, make sure that the fluid gets into each part of your mouth. The mouthwash should get through molars, front teeth, under the tongue and across the roof of your mouth.
Do not forget to read the instructions on the bottle, as every mouthwash is a little bit different.
With some of them, you will have to wait a certain period of time before you can eat or drink again, usually about 30 minutes. If you fail to follow this one, the whole process could be completely useless.
3. Learn when you should use mouthwash
Many people are not so sure about when to use the mouthwash – before or after brushing.
Now, even most of us actually use it after washing, experts say that the order is not as important as the quality of the products is. So, if you are using a product that is good for your condition or your needs, and if you use it properly, you certainly shouldn’t worry about the order of your routine.
Conclusion
Of course, it is essential to know that mouthwash is not the substitute for brushing and flossing. It is just an additional oral hygiene product, but not something that can replace brushing.
Additionally, you should know that you are allowed to use mouthwash whenever you brush your teeth. But, if you are using mouthwash as a product for overcoming gingivitis, chronic bad breath, cavities, etc., you should consult a dentist, because, without proper dental care, your condition can get worse.
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