Ever been tempted to skip brushing and just rely on a swig of mouthwash? Well, while it might be the easy route, it doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.
Yes, mouthwash has fluoride which is good at preventing cavities and restoring minerals, but it doesn’t remove plaque which is the tooth decay, bad breath, gingivitis-causing bacteria that builds up on your teeth throughout the day and at night.
Since plaque is sticky and adheres to teeth, mouthwash cannot remove it. The only way to remove plaque is through regular brushing and flossing.
You can still use mouthwash, it’s not bad for you, but it won’t do the job that brushing and flossing twice a day will do.