Most over-the-counter mouthwashes should be used twice a day, before or after you brush your teeth. Prescription mouthwashes may have different instructions; always follow the directions given to you by your dentist or pharmacist when using a prescription mouthwash.
Some over-the-counter mouthwashes may also have different instructions; they may instruct you, for example, to only use them after you’ve thoroughly brushed and rinsed your teeth. Always read the instructions carefully before using mouthwash.
What Is Mouthwash And How Does It Work?
Mouthwash (sometimes called oral rinse) is a dental product designed to reduce bad breath and fight against plaque and gingivitis. There are several different types of mouthwash available, and their effectiveness will depend on their specific formulations.
Though there is some evidence that mouthwash helps to fight against dental disease, it should not be used to replace brushing or flossing. You should continue to brush twice a day and floss once a day, even when using mouthwash.
Top Benefits Of Using Mouthwash Daily
Mouthwash can help kill harmful bacteria; it’s a valuable tool in the fight to prevent gum disease and cavities, and a great addition to your oral hygiene routine. When you use mouthwash daily, you lower your risk of:
- Bad breath
- Gingivitis
- Plaque
- Tooth decay (cavities)
There’s very little risk to using mouthwash when you follow the instructions, so it’s a low-cost, low-effort way to help maintain good oral health – as long as you use the right products (which we’ll discuss throughout this article).
Is It Good To Use Mouthwash Every Day?
Using over-the-counter therapeutic mouthwash (the kind that’s designed to boost your oral health) is a good idea; in fact, most people can use most over-the-counter mouthwashes twice a day, before or after they brush (depending on the mouthwash).
Products featuring essential oil formulation (like eucalyptol and menthol) are a good choice; other products may have therapeutic effects, but can be overused. We’ll talk more about that in the next section.
We recommend using mouthwash that has been approved by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA). The CDA’s website features a list of CDA-approved mouthwashes; you can use that list to guide your decision-making.
Can You Use Mouthwash Too Much? Risks Of Overuse
For most people, it is safe to use most over-the-counter mouthwashes twice a day. There are, however, exceptions to the rule that you should keep in mind.
First, prescription mouthwashes are typically not designed for long-term use. Many prescription mouthwashes contain chlorhexidine, which can lead to staining and other problems over time. Only use prescription mouthwashes for as long as they are prescribed, and follow the instructions given to you carefully.
Alcoholic mouthwashes are another culprit for problems. Most people can use mouthwashes with alcohol twice a day without problems, but alcohol can lead to dry mouth. Over time, this can contribute to the development of thrush, as well as other problems. Factors like smoking or drinking, which can also contribute to dry mouth, can make using alcohol-based mouthwashes a risky choice.
How To Properly Use Mouthwash: Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Pour the recommended amount into the cap (usually 20 mL or 4 teaspoons).
Mouthwash caps will often feature lines to make it easier for you to measure how much you need to pour. There’s no need to guess at how much mouthwash you need; the instructions will tell you.
2. Do not dilute the mouthwash with water unless instructed.
Your mouthwash might not taste pleasant, but don’t dilute it; doing so can reduce its effectiveness. There are quite a few different flavours of mouthwash on the market, and many of them are very effective, so if you don’t like the taste of your mouthwash, you can always change flavours.
3. Swish it around your mouth for 30-60 seconds.
For most mouthwashes, 30 seconds is enough, but you should always follow the instructions. Move the mouthwash around your mouth using your tongue and cheeks. We recommend setting a timer for 30 seconds to ensure that you don’t use your mouthwash for too long – or for too little time.
4. Spit it out – do not swallow the mouthwash.
Mouthwash often contains products that are harmful when swallowed; even alcohol-free mouthwash should be spit out into the sink, rather than swallowed. Avoid the temptation to rinse out your mouth after using mouthwash; you’ll wash away the ingredients that can help prevent tooth decay and reduce gum inflammation.
5. Avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes afterward.
This is a great practice to get into, even if you’re not using mouthwash; do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after completing your oral health care routine. Fluoride toothpaste needs time to do its job; so does mouthwash. When you eat and drink, you remove some of the product you’ve put on your teeth, and replace it with food particles; not ideal. Give products the chance to kill bacteria and remineralize your tooth enamel.
Keep Your Teeth Healthy And Clean With Dental House Saskatoon
Dealing with bad breath, stained teeth, or other oral health problems? Want to improve your oral health care routine, make the most out of your brushing and flossing, and avoid cavities? Mouthwash can help – so can a Saskatoon dental cleaning from the team at Dental House Saskatoon. We’re currently accepting new patients; contact us today!