Mouthwash

Is Mouthwash a Good Way to Clean Teeth?

January 24th, 2019

Mouthwash is a great way to freshen breath and keep gums healthy, but is it good for cleaning teeth? Here’s what you need to know about mouthwash and its benefits.

There are Two Main Types of Mouthwash

There are generally two types of mouthwashes available: cosmetic and therapeutic. Cosmetic mouthwash gives your mouth a clean, pleasant taste and reduces bad breath. However, cosmetic mouthwash treats the symptoms of bad breath, not the causes of the problem. 

Therapeutic mouthwash helps treat tooth decay, prevent gingivitis and reduces plaque buildup. Therapeutic mouthwash may not freshen your breath as well as cosmetic mouthwash, but it will help fight the causes of bad breath.

Check for the ADA Seal of Approval

The American Dental Association – known as the ADA – tests oral products for effectiveness and safety. To attain the ADA seal of approval, a product must prove to be safe and effective. That’s why we suggest that you look for products with the ADA seal of approval. This will help you find a mouthwash that has been rigorously tested and approved by a legitimate association that advocates for oral health.

Is Mouthwash Safe for Children?

There are a number of mouthwashes that are designed specifically for children. They are usually alcohol free and feature popular children’s cartoons and come in flavors that kids enjoy like bubblegum, wild berry and grape. Mouthwash for kids is usually therapeutic and helps prevent cavities. It usually contains no alcohol and is easier on their mouth than cosmetic mouthwash. As a rule of thumb, mouthwash should not be used by children under the age of six. However, in some instances a pediatric dentist may prescribe mouthwash for a child beneath that age, but that usually only occurs in special cases. 

Is Mouthwash a Good Way to Clean Teeth?

Mouthwash is a great tool to help you get better teeth, but using mouthwash alone does not replace the value and effectiveness of a full oral health routine. A proper oral health routine includes brushing your teeth for two minutes at a time twice per day and flossing once per day to clean the hard-to-reach areas of your teeth.

Visit Our Office!

Mouthwash is a great tool to help you and your child get clean teeth and gums. If you would like more information about the types of mouthwash that are safe and effective for your kids, then schedule a visit to our office! We will talk with you and your child about the best mouthwash for their overall mouth health.