Keeping our mouths clean ensures we can preserve the structure and appearance of our smiles. Though we may practice good oral hygiene and visit our dentists regularly, there are additional ways to improve our oral health.
Rinsing with mouthwash, for instance, can provide significant advantages to our smiles. Dr. Drew Shulman, a dentist practicing in the greater Philadelphia area, describes the oral health benefits you can experience when you add mouthwash to your routine.
Boost Oral Hygiene
Plaque forms over our teeth and damages our tooth enamel and gums throughout our day. To eliminate this build-up and preserve our smiles, we practice oral hygiene, which includes flossing daily and brushing teeth twice each day.
However, we consume substances that contribute to plaque formation in between our oral hygiene regimens. Rinsing with mouthwash can clear away lingering food particles and other residues, especially after a meal, boosting the cleanliness of your mouth. This can also help you avoid developing unpleasant acute conditions such as bad breath.
Prevent Periodontal Disease
Natural bacteria in our mouths can spread, especially in the presence of plaque and tartar, raising your risk for oral infections like gum disease. Some individuals may notice swollen or bleeding gums if they have periodontal disease, but others might not experience recognizable symptoms.
Untreated gum disease can cause severe, irreversible dental damage, including tooth loss. Dentists often emphasize preventative care when it comes to periodontal health for optimal protection for your smile.
Your dentist may recommend using an antibacterial mouthwash to balance bacteria in your mouth. This will reduce your risk of contracting gum disease and alleviate any uncomfortable symptoms associated with this condition.
Strengthen Tooth Enamel
The outer layer of your tooth, enamel, is durable and can withstand a great deal of wear and tear on a daily basis without issue. However, if enamel erodes, it cannot regrow on its own.
You should find ways to preserve your smile before damage accrues to your enamel. Rinsing with a mouthwash that contains fluoride can strengthen enamel and allow your teeth to better resist dental damage.