It is easy to come away from many advertisements or commercials for antiseptic mouthwash thinking that rinsing alone is just as effective as flossing when it comes to cleaning between teeth. Your dentist, Dr. Keith Dodge wants you to know that flossing is the more effective method of cleaning away plaque and food particles from between teeth as well as off of the gum line. Mouthwash is to be used at the end of your oral care routine to compliment your flossing by killing any leftover bacteria and rinsing away any uncaught food particles.
When selecting a mouthwash, it’s important to check the labels for a couple of things. The first is to make sure that you are choosing a brand that is an antiseptic mouthwash, as not all mouthwashes kill germs. The purpose of non-antiseptic mouthwash is to freshen the breath, whereas antiseptic mouthwashes have materials that will kill the bacteria that can lead to plaque. Some brands of antiseptic mouthwash also contain fluoride to help strengthen your enamel.
The second thing to look for on the label of your mouthwash is the Seal of Acceptance from the American Dental Association (ADA). This seal means that the ADA has tested and researched your mouthwash to ensure it is safe for you to use.
Please call Dodge Family Dental at 801-225-8060 if you have any questions about antiseptic mouthwash, or if you’d like to schedule an appointment in Orem, Utah, with your dentist, Dr. Keith Dodge. We look forward to answering any questions you have and to treating your smile!