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Mouthwash advised before or after Brushing?

mouthwash Listerine

Mouthwash also known as oral rinse. Its a liquid used to prevent bad breath, tooth decay and maintain oral hygiene as well. It should not used as a substitute for brushing. It’s considered one of the additional oral hygiene aids. It is quick, easy to use. It flushes out food debris thereby killing microbes. Also the areas where your brush is difficult to reach out in inaccessible areas it helps in removing plaque biofilm from the teeth. It is only effective when used in a proper manner. It should used as part of daily teeth cleaning routine. There is no hard and fast rule for when to rinse your mouth while mouth washing.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure | Oral Hygiene

One can do oral rinse with mouthwash anytime in a day. Rinsing twice daily for 30 seconds to a minute after brushing and flossing is effective.

Teeth are like diamonds; they are to be treasured. They are much like every other part of our body they cant be easily replaced. With the strain they get from all the chewing, biting or grinding, they will also wear and tear if not take care of.

Flavours and ingredients in mouthwash

It comes in different flavours and concentration. It provides antiseptic, antiplaque, antibacterial, antifungal effects. Thus, Ingredients- alcohol, menthol, eucalyptol, fluoride. For those who have healthy teeth and oral cavity a mouthwash that doesn’t contain alcohol or antibacterial agent is a best choice. Dentist primarily prescribe mouthwash to treat inflammation, bleeding due to gingivitis.

It should not used immediately after toothbrushing. For example when using hexidine mouthwash which contains chlorhexidine there should be  half and hour gap between toothbrushing and rinsing. It is because a component in toothpaste interacts with the mouthwash decreasing its efficacy. Also fluoride in the toothpaste can washed off decreasing its effect on teeth.

Benefits of oral rinse daily

Hence there are several benefits to using mouthwash, with the best benefit of clean breath. Therefore Mouthwash has the ability to reach all areas of your mouth, including the roof of your mouth, your tongue, and inner cheeks. Because the mouthwash destroys bad bacteria in these areas, your breath becomes fresh.

In addition, many mouthwashes contain fluoride. This liquid fluoride can get down in the small spaces that your brush may not reach. This additional protection helps keep your teeth healthy and fights cavities.

Mouth wash not recommended in children below 6 years due to the fear of swallowing. However, It should be used in 1:1 dilution with water. Mouthwash also prescribed to patients after oral surgical procedures. Ream more on how to teach kids how to brush.

Side effects of using Mouthwash in adults:

Sometime, washing mouth if used for a longer duration can cause staining of teeth and tongue, prosthesis.

Alteration in taste of food and drinks.

Mouthwash can be dangerous for children when ingested. 

The Mouthwash if used in mouth with sores and ulcers may cause burning sensation and will do more harm due to fluoride and antiseptic agent.

Mouthwash can irritate canker sores.

Mouthwash are  source of refreshment in your busy routine but it alone  cant cure the underlying disease, only symptomatic relief can be obtained.

oral-rinse
Oral rinse with mouthwash
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1 Comment

  1. Mouthwash also known as oral rinse. Its a liquid used to prevent bad breath. There is no hard and fast rule for when to rinse your mouth while mouth washing.

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