Some people swear by mouthwash and others don’t believe it’s worth the money. Mouthwash can definitely offer many potential benefits including fresher breath, teeth whitening, and cavity prevention (via American Dental Association). This product is typically divided into two categories: cosmetic and therapeutic. Cosmetic mouthwash targets people who want fresher breath or whiter teeth. While these products eliminate odor in the mouth, they are not very effective against plaque or bacteria. Therapeutic mouthwash, on the other hand, is designed to aid the health of your teeth and gums. These rinses often contain antimicrobial and anti-tartar ingredients. Some contain fluoride to aid in strengthening enamel.
While mouthwash can make your teeth brighter and kill bacteria in your mouth, going overboard with this product can cause some health issues. According to Coastal Dental Care, mouthwash should only be used twice a day at most. If you use mouthwash more than twice per day, you may experience dryness in the mouth, inflamed gums, mouth sores, and issues with taste. Stick to minimal mouthwash use and you shouldn’t have any problems.
Other mouth hygiene mistakes you might be making
Mouthwash isn’t the only dental health product that you can overuse. Brushing your teeth and flossing are both crucial steps to keep your teeth and gums healthy. However, you can brush and floss too much. According to Everyday Health, many people brush their teeth very aggressively because they believe that will make them cleaner. However, this can wear down the enamel on your teeth and damage your gums. A similar effect can happen when you brush your teeth too many times each day.
Flossing more than once each day may also cause damage to your gums (via University General Dentists). Most people press the floss too hard into their gums when they floss, which can cause bleeding and damage if you do it too frequently. Stick to brushing your teeth twice per day, flossing once per day, and using mouthwash once per day to avoid damaging your teeth and gums.
