Should I use mouthwash after brushing my teeth?

Mouthwash, also called oral rinse, is a liquid product used to rinse your teeth, gums, and mouth. It certainly is a good thing to use after brushing your teeth because it usually contains an antiseptic to kill harmful bacteria that can live between your teeth and on your tongue.

Some people use mouthwash to fight against bad breath, while others use it to try to prevent tooth decay. While mouthwash doesn’t replace brushing your teeth or flossing, it’s only effective when used correctly so it’s important to understand that different formulas contain different ingredients, and not all mouthwashes can strengthen your teeth.

You can use mouthwash prior to brushing to remove any food debris and plaque build-up in your mouth to set yourself up for a good cleaning.

How to use mouthwash:

Directions may vary per brand so always make sure to follow package instructions. Generally the instructions are as followed:

• Brush your teeth first
• Pour your oral rinse using only as much as the product instructs you to use. (It’s typically between 3 and 5 teaspoons.)
• Rinse in your mouth for about 30 seconds
• Spit it out

How often should you use it?

Most mouthwash products recommend that you use them twice per day, after brushing and flossing. But you can also use it in a pinch to banish bad breath.

Also, one important thing to note is that if you’re using fluoride toothpaste, don’t use mouthwash for at least 30 minutes after brushing! Why? Because the wash will rinse the fluoride out of your mouth.

Speak to a dentist about any concerns you have about your breath or using mouthwash.

Contact us at Noll Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment or ask our treatment coordinators any questions.