A: Mouthwash is used to rinse our entire oral cavity, including our teeth, gums and tongue. It helps to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth, which reduces the amount of dental plaque that forms. Regular use of mouthwash can help to prevent gum disease, and if the mouthwash contains fluoride, it can help to prevent tooth decay too.
However, it is important to note that mouthwash alone is not able to remove plaque from our teeth, only tooth-brushing and flossing can. Therefore, if you brush your teeth twice a day, for two minutes each with the right brushing techniques, and floss at least once a day, it is not necessary to use a mouthwash.
Your dental specialist/dentist may also recommend the use of different mouthwash for various purposes such as:
- antiseptic mouthwash to control plaque and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), especially after a tooth extraction or surgery
- mouthwash with fluoride to help control dental caries
- natural, enzyme mouthwash to treat oral sores or dry mouth (also known as xerostomia)
- desensitising mouthwash to protect against sensitive teeth
You are recommended to check with your dental professional on whether you need to include a mouthwash as part of your oral care routine, and which mouthwash is suitable for you.
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Specialist Dental Group® is a corporate sponsor of the Canadian Association of Singapore (CAS). CAS members enjoy a special rate for dental services.
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