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Should I use a mouthwash?

Are you brushing your teeth regularly? Do you think brushing is sufficient to clean your mouth? Do you clean under your tongue, or on the roof of your mouth? You will be astonished to know that brushing cleans only 25% of your mouth. There’s a plethora of germs left behind even after brushing. These leftover germs are capable of causing gum problems, plaque and even bad breath. So what’s the solution? A MOUTHWASH comes to your rescue as it can reach your whole mouth and remove 99.9% germs and reduce gum problems in 2 weeks.

Mouthwash should be a part of your daily routine if you want healthy teeth and gums . Keep reading further to know about the use of mouthwash.

Is mouthwash enough to maintain good dental hygiene?

No, in line with the best dentists in Mumbai mouthwash is not enough and cannot be considered a substitute for brushing and flossing. It provides enhanced dental care and dental hygiene. A mouthwash helps if you have

  • Bleeding gums or
  • Bad breath

How to use mouthwash?

Every mouthwash available at the pharmacy has a different set of instructions. Let’s go through some of the basic instructions for most kinds of mouthwash as recommended by the best dentists in Mumbai.

Step 1: Start by thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth.

Step 2: Pour the desired quantity (usually 3 and 5 teaspoons) of mouthwash of choice into the cup provided with the product and dilute with water. Swish it around your mouth for 2 mins.

Step 3: Don’t swallow it and spit it out into the sink

Step 4: Rinse it out.

When to use mouthwash?

According to the best dentists in Mumbai, Mouth washes should only be used as per prescription. It will provide best results when used after freshly cleaning and flossing your teeth. 

How often should you use mouthwash?

It should be used only if prescribed. It bears repeating that mouthwash cannot act as a replacement for brushing and flossing. It’s also not mandatory to use mouthwash in order to keep your mouth clean. Most mouthwash products recommend that you use them twice per day, after brushing and flossing.

How does mouthwash work?

The ingredients in each mouthwash formula vary depending on the purpose it is designed for. It may contain

  • antiseptic ingredients like alcohol, menthol, thymol and eucalyptol to kill bacteria. These ingredients can get into the places you can’t reach with your brush like the crevices between your teeth and keeping the germs
  • Some products contain cetyl pyridinium chloride (CPC) that provide 12 hour protection against bacteria and plaque. E.g. Colgate Plax mouthwash
  • Medicaments like Chlorhexidine Gluconate: a prescription-only mouthwash proven to combat gum disease and bad breath.E.g Hexidin mouthwash

Precautions when using mouthwash

Mouthwash shouldn’t be used for children under 6 years of age as the swallowing reflex isn’t developed, according to the best dentist in Mumbai. Adults shouldn’t make it a habit of swallowing mouthwash, either.

It is important to understand that mouthwash kills bacteria on the surface of the mouth and teeth but does not address the underlying causes of bad breath. Always consult your dentist before using a mouthwash. A few of them that contain chlorhexidine may cause staining of teeth if used for more than 2 weeks.

Final Note

Every individual and his mouth is different, and therefore, you may need a different routine. You should discuss the best way to take care of your teeth with your dentist. At The Dental Bond, one of the best dental clinics in Mumbai, we welcome the opportunity to help you better understand your mouth. 

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