Your daily dental care regimen plays a major role in your oral health. While great emphasis is placed on brushing and flossing, and for a good reason, one component often gets overlooked: mouthwash. Adding this item to your oral hygiene routine will allow you to enjoy the following benefits.

What Are the Benefits of Using Mouthwash?

1. Freshen Your Breath

Mouthwash helps kill the bacteria that cause odors in your mouth. Most products include alcohol, eucalyptol, or menthol, which have antiseptic properties. Rinsing vigorously for 30 seconds is enough to give you a minty-fresh breath and leave your mouth feeling refreshed and renewed. 

2. Reduce Plaque Buildup

An often-overlooked benefit of mouthwash is its ability to rinse away food stuck to and between the teeth. When these particles remain in the mouth, they create a sticky film called plaque, which contains bacteria that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.

As the final part of your dental care routine, rinse with mouthwash to wash away food particles still stuck to the teeth. This measure will also help remove any debris dislodged during brushing or flossing. 

3. Strengthen Teeth and Gums

Many types of mouthwash are fortified with fluoride, which improves oral health in several ways. It rebuilds weakened tooth enamel by remineralizing it, helps reverse early-stage tooth decay, and prevents the growth of damaging oral bacteria. As a result, your teeth and gums are strengthened and have a lower risk of oral health issues.

Remember to check the mouthwash label for any special considerations. For instance, you may have to wait 30 minutes after rinsing before eating or drinking again. Your dental care provider can recommend the best option for both strengthening teeth and gums and freshening your breath.

Twice-yearly visits to your dentist are another important part of your dental care routine. William B. Collier Jr., DMD, in Enterprise, AL, has served the Wiregrass Region since 1967, offering general family and cosmetic dentistry services. Whether you require preventative exams, crowns, bridges, or teeth whitening, they'll personalize treatment to address your problems. Call (334) 347-5026 to make an appointment, or visit their website for more information on their services.