The best things you can do on a daily basis for your teeth and mouth are to brush twice a day and floss once a day. However, you may want to add mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine.
Although there are many brands of mouthwash, there are essentially two kinds: cosmetic and therapeutic. Cosmetic mouthwashes are useful for freshening your breath after lunch or just before leaving for work or school. But, they have no medicinal value. By contrast, therapeutic mouthwashes are designed to improve your oral health. They may kill the bacteria in your mouth, or they may contain fluoride, whitening agents, or ingredients to combat plaque and tartar. No matter what you may need out of your mouthwash, you should talk with your dentist before adding anything to your oral health care routine. In some cases, your dentist may prescribe a mouthwash to address a specific need.
Since many mouthwashes contain alcohol, you should keep them out of the reach of children, and kids should not use mouthwash containing alcohol before the age of six. If you suffer from a problem such as dry mouth, or your kids are using mouthwash, see what kind of alcohol-free mouthwash your dentist can recommend.
If you just want fresher breath, or you want an additional line of defense against tooth decay, plaque and bacteria, our dentist, Dr. Sindhu Gundabathula will be happy to talk with you. If you would like to make an appointment at Chalfont Dentistry in Chalfont, Pennsylvania, call 215-660-3636 today.