For the average person, mouthwash is not really necessary — although it can be an effective way to freshen up your breath. 

Mouthwash is a great way to keep your breath fresh, and to rinse food particles out of your mouth after meals. But how necessary is it for your dental hygiene?

There’s much debate about how deep the benefits of mouthwash go. While some studies have shown the long-lasting benefits of mouthwash, there is no serious scientific evidence to back up these claims. In all likelihood, mouthwash is a helpful tool for rinsing out your mouth after meals, and clearing away pesky food particles. 

Even though mouthwash may not be a necessary part of your dental care routine, it still has plenty of benefits. To set the record straight on mouthwash, let’s discuss how it works and what it can do for you. 

What Does Mouthwash Actually Do? 

If you’re worried about bad breath, or just want to freshen up after a meal, mouthwash is a great way to leave your mouth feeling clean and fresh. For people with no serious dental conditions, there are two major benefits of mouthwash: rinsing and freshening. 

Rinsing your mouth helps clear out any unwanted debris. By swishing around mouthwash for a few seconds, you allow the liquid to dislodge food particles from your teeth. However, there is no significant evidence that mouthwash is a more effective rinsing agent than water. 

So, if mouthwash is no more effective than water, why use it at all? The main benefit of mouthwash is freshening — improving the smell of your breath with a scented agent, leaving a pleasant taste in your mouth, and killing small amounts of bacteria. 

Some studies claim that mouthwash is effective in preventing gum disease or even heart disease. However, these benefits apply more to prescription mouthwashes that can help clear up dental conditions like bacterial infections, chronic dry mouth, and dry socket. Most over-the-counter mouthwashes don’t help with these conditions, so if you think you need a specialized mouthwash, talk to your dentist for a recommendation.

Maintaining a Healthy Dental Routine with Espire

In short, most people don’t actually need to use mouthwash. Prescription mouthwash can be helpful in treating select dental conditions, but standard over-the-counter mouthwash doesn’t conclusively provide any medical benefits. However, that doesn’t mean mouthwash isn’t helpful, especially if you like using it. Many people enjoy freshening their breath — and you might be one of them!

If you choose to use mouthwash, it should always be in addition to a complete dental hygiene routine. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once daily, and visiting your dentist for a checkup at least twice a year. 

For regular dental care in a friendly environment, contact us at Espire — your smile is too important to wait!