Inmagine
It’s hard to imagine life without toothpaste. It’s equally hard to imagine life without mouth wash.
Research shows that more than half of the public use mouthwash compared with just 40% in year 2006. But here’s the thing – Do we really need mouth wash for dental hygiene? Can mouthwash really help to cure bad breath and plaque?
Gum disease begins with plaque, a film of bacteria that sticks on teeth. If they’re not properly removed from brushing, it will irritate the gum causing it bleed and eventually recede. Gargling your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash twice a day can only reduce the build-up of plaque and gingivitis (inflamed gums) over 6 months. This means the treatment is only temporary, as stated by Professor Damien Walmsley, scientific adviser to the British Dental Association.
Most of us think we can actually get rid of bad breath with a little mouth wash instead of brushing our teeth. In fact, there is still some hardened plaque which may lead to gum disease. If we use it incorrectly, mouthwash can even reduce the benefits of your toothpaste. Both chemical ingredients between mouthwash and toothpaste will clash and eliminate the benefits of each product.
Mouthwashes now come in different forms, and most of them contain alcohol levels between 21 and 26 %. Alcohol is often included as it helps make the active ingredients effective. Without alcohol, the anti-bacterial action would pretty much be ineffective.
If you really need mouthwash, please make sure to leave at least half hour gap between brushing and mouthwash routine. Dentists suggest using mouthwash in the middle of the day after lunch.
Long story short – it’s not necessary to use mouthwash if you brush and floss your teeth well. Mouthwash doesn’t cure your bad breath and is just for temporary basis. You’re better off brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing after meals. A mouthwash will probably come in handy if you want to make a good impression on someone important.
