For many of us, mouthwash is a part of our daily routine making our breath smell and taste minty fresh. But is mouthwash really necessary? And exactly what does it do?
Like most things in life, there are pros and cons to using mouthwash. The pros include fighting cavities, keeping gums healthy, freshening your breath, and soothing mouth sores. On the other hand, certain types of mouthwash can cause irritation and lead to dry mouth if they have high alcohol content. They can also mask conditions such as chronic bad breath, which could be the sign of a larger oral health issue.
In all cases, rinsing with mouthwash is not a replacement for regularly brushing and flossing. It should always be a complementary habit to give your mouth an added boost.
If you have any questions about oral health or it’s been longer than six months since a dentist has examined you, give us a call today at 573-243-5200. We offer preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental options for all ages.