It is hard to turn on the television these days without seeing an advertisement for a Mouthwash or Mouth rinse. Different companies and brands tout different benefits for their mouthwashes ranging from freshening your breath to reducing plaque buildup. There are many different brands that are available over the counter as well as prescription-only types that must be prescribed by your doctor or dentist. So does mouthwash really benefit your dental health? The answer is that it depends on the brand as well as your specific dental health. Your dentist is the only one who can really tell you whether or not you will benefit from adding mouthwash into your daily oral hygiene routine. However, one thing is for certain and that is the fact that mouthwashes should not take the place of brushing and flossing your teeth. Brushing your teeth thoroughly at least twice daily and flossing your teeth thoroughly at least once daily is still the best thing you can do to protect your dental health. Visiting a dentist regularly for routine dental cleanings and checkups can also go a long way in safeguarding your dental health.
Mouthwash can be used as an adjunct to brushing and flossing and may help to freshen breath, help prevent or control tooth decay, reduce the buildup of plaque, prevent or reduce Gingivitis, and decrease the speed in which tartar (hardened plaque) builds up on the teeth. Again, the effectiveness is different depending on the particular type and brand of mouthwash. When you are shopping for mouthwash, it is a good idea to look for a brand that has the ADA (American Dental Association) seal. This is your assurance that the product has been objectively evaluated for safety and effectiveness by an independent body of scientific experts, The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. It is also good to ask your dentist which type or brands he or she recommends.
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