Mouthwash is great for freshening breath, reinforcing your oral health, removing plaque, and even protecting your enamel. Mouthwashes can be specialized to meet certain oral care goals and can help personalize your daily dental hygiene routine. Plus, with all the different formulations out there, there’s sure to be something for every smile. But how often should you use mouthwash? Though an oral rinse can be a great compliment to your daily oral care routine, it’s important to understand the different benefits and possible risks of swishing with one.
What is Mouthwash and How Does It Work?
Mouthwash is best known as a liquid that helps rinse your gums, teeth, and even the tongue. Certain oral rinses are meant for freshening breath whereas others have more therapeutic uses.
Most mouthwashes contain an antiseptic to better eliminate bacteria and germs from the mouth. Some are formulated with alcohol while others are less harsh and contain fluoride.
Mouthwash does not replace a thorough oral care routine of twice daily brushing and flossing at least once a day, but it can be a great add-on. Depending on the type of mouthwash you’re swishing with, you can kill bad breath germs, strengthen teeth, promote gum health, and even remove surface stains.
Based on the uses of a particular rinse, mouthwash is categorized as either cosmetic or therapeutic. Understanding these different types of mouthwash can help narrow down which mouthwash is best for you, how often you should be using mouthwash, and when during the day you should use mouthwash.
Cosmetic Mouthwash
Cosmetic rinses are solely used to help control bad breath by leaving behind a more pleasant taste in the mouth. These types of mouthwashes do not offer any additional oral care benefits besides the temporary benefit of freshness.
Therapeutic Mouthwash
By contrast, therapeutic rinses can deliver a multitude of oral care benefits that range from preventing tooth decay to reducing the risk of developing certain conditions such as gum disease. Therapeutic mouthwashes are available over the counter as well as by prescription. To be considered a therapeutic mouthwash, the formula must include one or more of these following active ingredients:
Fluoride
Peroxide
Cetylpyridinium Chloride
Chlorhexidine
Benefits of Mouthwash
Based on the active ingredient used, the benefits of therapeutic mouthwashes can vary. A fluoride mouthwash can remove plaque, protect from dental carries, and help keep gums in good condition. Cetylpyridinium chloride is primarily used to fight off plaque bacteria and maintain gum health. Peroxide rinses are best known for their whitening capabilities when paired with other whitening products such as toothpaste.
Chlorhexidine oral rinses are available only by prescription. These are often used to treat gingivitis, an early form of gum disease. The active ingredient helps reduce gum bleeding, swelling and inflammation, and killing harmful plaque bacteria.
How Often Should I Use Mouthwash?
So, how often should you use mouthwash to maximize the benefits? To better understand how frequently you should swish, it’s important to look at several factors such as your age, underlying medical conditions, and your general oral health.
Most types of mouthwash can be used daily and even several times of day. Most mouthwash products can be used twice a day after brushing and flossing. If you’re not sure as to how often to use mouthwash, usually the directions on the bottle offer a recommendation.
Typically, most people swish with mouthwash once or twice a day to help freshen their breath, protect against dental carries, and keep gums in good condition.
However, if rinsing with a prescription mouthwash, it is important to follow the specific directions provided by your healthcare professional.
Develop a Mouthwash Routine
To better answer when should use mouthwash, it’s important to work out a proper dental hygiene routine that’s right for you. Should you use mouthwash every day and how often, comes down to your individual oral care needs.
How you use mouthwash before or after brushing and flossing can also impact your routine. But the order in which you rinse is entirely up to you. As long as you adhere to a complete oral care routine, it doesn’t really matter if you swish after brushing or before.
No matter how often you should use mouthwash, a thorough oral hygiene routine should always be followed:
Brush your teeth 2X/day for 2 minutes each session
Floss at least 1X day
Visit your dental professional 2X/year for cleanings and checkups
From there, you can build an oral care routine incorporating the right type mouthwash for you.
Side Effects of Mouthwash
Though mouthwash can be formulated to deliver plenty of oral care benefits there are a few risks that need to be considered:
Sensitivity
Have you ever wondered why does mouthwash burn? Some formulas use alcohol to deliver a clean-like effect, however, they can be harsh. If you’re prone to irritation or are sensitive to the burn of alcohol, there are plenty of non-alcohol alternatives available to swish with.
Staining
Certain types of mouthwash can stain teeth when used for long periods of time. Typically, these mouthwashes contain chlorhexidine, often used in prescription rinses, to combat gingivitis. When not used properly, the ingredient can cause brown or yellow staining on teeth.
Damage
Overusing mouthwash can actually cause more harm than good. Damage to the gums, enamel, and even irritation can occur.
How to Choose the Best Mouthwash
When looking for the best mouthwash for you, there are several factors to take into account. First, you need to consider what your oral care needs are and go from there.
Mouthwash or Gum Care
When swishing to prevent gum disease and associated gum issues, it is best to look for a mouthwash that is formulated to help remove plaque buildup. Try rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash containing cetylpyridinium chloride to help promote a gentler clean so gums can stay in good condition.
Mouthwash for Whitening
If you’re looking to swish toward a brighter smile, make sure to use a mouthwash that’s enamel safe and effective. Oral-B 3D White Glamorous Shine Rinse is formulated to whiten teeth by removing surface stains, prevents future surface stains, and freshens breath.
Mouthwash for Fresh Breath
Fresh breath is a staple of most mouthwash formulas. Oral-B Pro-Expert Professional Protection Mouthwash is alcohol-free and provides protection against plaque and bad breath.
Mouthwash FAQs
Can you use too much mouthwash?
Depending on its active ingredient, it is possible to overuse mouthwash. Avoid overusing rinses formulated with alcohol as it can dry out your mouth and cause irritation.
Why does mouthwash burn?
Mouthwashes that are formulated with alcohol tend to be harsher, causing a “burning” effect. Though alcohol can kill bacteria, there are non-alcohol mouthwash alternatives available that help eliminate plaque, freshen breath, and promote gum health.
Does mouthwash expire?
Yes, mouthwash can expire. Most mouthwashes are good for about 2 to 3 years. After that period, the active ingredient becomes less effective and can be more harmful than good.
Can I use mouthwash after tooth extraction?
Your dental professional may prescribe a specific rinse to use after having a tooth extracted. It is also not recommended to use any other oral rinses for at least 3 to 4 weeks after a tooth extraction to avoid irritation and delaying the healing process.
What happens if you swallow mouthwash?
Depending on the amount you swallowed, you can expect to feel queasy, dizzy, or experience diarrhea. If the amount swallowed is concerning, contact a Poison Control Center for quick, confidential help.
From Oral-B, the #1 toothbrush brand used by dentists worldwide.
Sources:
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/mouthwash
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-use-mouthwash#when-to-use
https://crest.com/en-us/oral-care-tips/mouthwash/what-to-do-if-you-swallow-mouthwash
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