When it comes to oral hygiene, brushing your teeth is pretty straightforward, but knowing when to use mouthwash isn’t so clear. Brushing and flossing are likely already ingrained in your routine (if you’re not flossing every night, listen to your dentist and start!), but where does mouthwash fit into all of this? Just like your skin care routine, your oral care requires a couple of steps too.
It turns out, mouthwash isn’t just used to keep your breath minty fresh. “Mouthwash is one the most important home oral hygiene routines,” says Kourosh Maddahi, DDS, and founder of oral health brand Lumineux.
According to Dr. Maddahi, our teeth make up only 24% of the mouth. That leaves the cheeks, tongue, and floor and roof of the mouth as the other 76%. Mouthwash helps you cover 100% of your mouth, hence its importance.
“In order to fully cleanse the mouth, mouthwash is necessary,” Dr. Maddahi says. “Generally mouthwash is mainly being used to freshen breath; however, the total mouth cleansing action is far more important.”
To understand when to use mouthwash, the correct way to use it, and more, we asked Dr. Maddahi to break it down below.
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When should you use mouthwash?
You should be using mouthwash daily. “It’s best used after flossing and brushing the teeth both at night and after breakfast,” says Dr. Maddahi.
What is the correct way to use mouthwash?
Pour 20 milliliters (4 teaspoons) of mouthwash into a cup. “Rinse with a nonantiseptic mouthwash at least twice a day for at least one minute,” says Dr. Maddahi. Swish the mouthwash around to rinse the whole area. “Mouthwashes with essential oils are very helpful in decreasing the plaque buildup on and around the teeth,” he adds.
What is antiseptic mouthwash?
Dr. Maddahi recommends using nonantiseptic mouthwash. “Antiseptic mouthwashes kill all the good bacteria in the mouth,” since it targets all bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This high-powered mouthwash is typically recommended by your dentist only if you have cavities or gum disease.
“One of the reasons athletes are told not to use antiseptic mouthwashes is that the oral microbiome is responsible for turning nitrates such as spinach, arugula, and lettuce into nitric oxide, which is the oxygen for the organs,” Dr. Maddahi says.
Can you eat or drink after using mouthwash?
Give the mouthwash some time to work its magic for optimal results. “It’s best not to eat or drink for 30 minutes after rinsing with the mouthwash,” says Dr. Maddahi.
The post When to Use Mouthwash, According to a Dentist appeared first on Glamour.
