Regarding oral hygiene, brush your teeth It's quite simple, but it's not so clear knowing when to use mouthwash. Cleaning and flossing is probably already firmly ingrained into your daily routine (if you're not flossing every night, listen to your dentist and get started!), but where does mouthwash fit into all of this? just like yours skin care procedureyour oral care also requires a couple of steps.
It turns out that mouthwash is used for more than just keeping your breath minty. “Mouth rinsing is one of the most important home oral hygiene procedures,” says Kourosh MaddahiDDS and founder of an oral care brand Bright.
According to Dr. Maddahi, our teeth make up only 24% of our mouth. That leaves the cheeks, tongue, bottom and palate, and the remaining 76%. Mouthwash helps you cover 100% of your mouth, so this is important.
“To completely clean your mouth, you need to rinse,” says Dr. Maddahi. “Typically, mouthwash is used primarily to freshen breath; however, the overall cleansing effect of the mouth is much more important.”
To understand when to use mouthwash, how to use it correctly, and more, we asked Dr. Maddahi to break it down below.
When should you use mouthwash?
You should use mouthwash daily. “It is best used after brushing and brushing your teeth, in the evening and after breakfast,” says Dr. Maddahi.
How to use mouthwash correctly?
Pour 20 milliliters (4 teaspoons) of mouthwash into a cup. “Rinse your mouth with a non-antiseptic mouthwash at least twice a day for at least one minute,” says Dr. Maddahi. Rinse the entire surface with mouthwash. “Mouth rinses with essential oils are very helpful in reducing plaque buildup on and around the teeth,” he adds.
What is an antiseptic mouthwash?
Dr. Maddahi recommends using non-antiseptic mouthwashes. “Antiseptic mouthwashes kill all the good bacteria in your mouth” because they target All bacteria, viruses and fungi. This powerful mouthwash is usually only recommended by your dentist if you have tooth decay or gum disease.
“One of the reasons why athletes are not advised to use antiseptic mouthwashes is because the oral microbiome is responsible for converting nitrates, such as spinach, arugula and lettuce, into nitric oxide, which is oxygen for the organs,” says Dr. Maddahi.
Can I eat and drink after rinsing my mouth?
Give the mouthwash some time to work its magic and achieve optimal results. “It's best not to eat or drink within 30 minutes of rinsing with mouthwash,” says Dr. Maddahi.
