When it comes to changing your daily routine or starting a new one, it’s usually something you like very much or something that’s good for you (short or long-term). A similar logic can be applied to quitting bad habits. Now, one of the things that you don’t hear that much about but which definitely fits all three is using mouthwash.
It brings you that sense of freshness that you need both early in the morning and late in the evening (both are fine), helps keep your mouth clean, and might even help prevent some nasty side effects of poor oral hygiene.
A lot of people are already using it as a part of their daily routine, but for those who aren’t that keen on it, here are a few benefits you should keep in mind.
1. Reduces The Build-Up Of Plaque
Mouthwash is quite effective at reducing the amount of dental plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Sure, if you already have a thick layer, you should see your dentist and ask them to remove it. Still, even then, using mouthwash will reduce the subsequent build-up, thus preventing future growth.
First of all, you need to understand why plaque is so dangerous.
Generally speaking, plaque is a build-up of bacteria that will cause gum disease bad breath, and facilitate tooth decay. If left unchecked, it will harden into tartar, which is impossible to remove on your own. For this, you’ll need professional help.
Second, it’s worth mentioning that it takes less than 20 hours for plaque to start building up on your teeth. So, incorporating mouthwash as your daily routine is actually a great way to prevent this build-up from ever forming.
Sure, you still have to floss and wash your teeth right, but since mouthwash doesn’t really take more than a few seconds to use, and the liquid is really inexpensive, what are the cons of this idea? The biggest challenge is actually remembering to restock your mouthwash liquid when you notice that the stocks are running low, but that’s really it. With a mouthwash dispenser, keeping up with this routine will be even simpler.
2. Fighting Off Gum Disease
Gum disease is caused by bacteria (usually the same bacteria that causes plaque and tartar), which is why the disinfecting properties of mouthwash can help you out so much. The substance works on the antimicrobial level with the help of chlorhexidine and similar ingredients.
Ingredients in some mouthwashes can have healing properties. They can decrease inflammation and bleeding by reducing symptoms of gingivitis. They can also help with some more serious forms of gingivitis like periodontitis.
One thing that’s so great about mouthwash is that, since it’s liquid, it reaches even the places where dental floss or brush can’t. You see, the biggest problem with these bacteria is that they reach a “safe spot” where you can’t reach them. Most of them take time to cause real damage, but since you can’t reach them (without mouthwash), they have all the time in the world.
With the right mouthwash (ideally with fluoride content), you’ll clean out these areas quite easily. This way, you’ll increase your dental hygiene and protect both your teeth and your gums.
3. Refreshing Your Breath
In the past, there was a misconception that mouthwash is somehow bad for your oral cavity because it killed some of the good bacteria living there. One argument is that it wrecks your oral microbiome, while another one is that it dries out your mouth (because some mouthwashes contain alcohol, which contains dehydrating properties).
The problem is not with mouthwashes; it’s with a mouthwash that contains certain ingredients. Alcohol, saccharin, and formaldehyde are present in some mouthwashes. These substances can really harm your oral microbiome, as well as harm you.
However, natural mouthwashes can help refresh your breath, elevate your dental health, and even facilitate the healing process of your gyms.
It’s also important that you understand one simple truth – a mouthwash has its limitations, and it’s not some miraculous elixir that can replace the need to wash your teeth or floss. It also won’t whiten your teeth or make your breath permanently fresh.
The main reason for getting disappointed is to expect too much. For this to work, you need to understand two things. First, you need to understand what mouthwash can and can’t do. Second, you need to learn how to pick the right mouthwash. Getting mad that mouthwash is not doing its job is like getting mad that food is not tasty or nourishing enough. The term mouthwash is the same as the term food; it is very broad, and you need to learn how to narrow it down the right way.
4. Safe For Dental Work
A lot of people wear braces and dental implants. Sure, they might not be a huge part of the general population, but people who are serious about introducing mouthwash into their daily routine definitely fit this category.
These people have one big concern: Is mouthwash safe to use with various forms of dental work? The answer is always yes.
Not only is it safe, but it’s even preferred. You see, we’ve already discussed the problem with hard-to-reach places and how mouthwash helps out with this immensely. Well, if you have some sort of dental work, chances are that there are even more areas that are hard to reach or that you can’t reach using conventional dental hygiene methods.
Just keep in mind that, once again, there are many different types of mouthwash, and you want to find one that fits your situation the best.
Wrap Up
The bottom line is that using mouthwash as a part of your daily routine makes sense from every single angle. It helps reduce the build-up of plaque and prevents the formation of tartar, protects your gums, and helps you clean those areas that are hard to reach. The liquid is inexpensive, and it takes you just a few seconds to use it effectively, especially with the right dispenser.
Sure, it is not a miraculous liquid that is self-sufficient in keeping your oral hygiene high, but then again, nothing is. In other words, it’s a simple and inexpensive method that offers a few advantages and has virtually no disadvantages.