According to advertisements, mouthwash is an essential part
of a good daily hygiene routine, and is necessary to prevent the buildup of
plaque and tartar. What you might not find in an ad, probably due to time and
space restrictions, is what plaque and tartar are made of, or how mouthwash
alone can’t do much against their buildup. Still, your toothbrush and floss can
only do so much, and the right mouthwash can prove invaluable to keeping your teeth
and gums clean, when used properly.
What Can Plaque and Tartar Do?
The point of mouthwash, and of good hygiene, for that
matter, is to stop the over-600 kinds of bacteria in your mouth from
overwhelming your teeth and gums. If they do, these microbes can infect your
teeth with decay (leading to cavities) or slowly destroy the gums that surround
them. Some germs even release sulfur gases that can persistently foul your
breath. In fact, many of the most common dental issues originate with improper
hygiene practices that allow bacteria to settle into your oral tissues. When
plaque remains for more than 48 hours, it calcifies into tartar, which is too stubborn
for a toothbrush, floss, or mouthwash to remove.
What Can Mouthwash Do?
For the best results, Dr. Smith advises carefully brushing
your teeth twice or more every day, and flossing at least once. Removing plaque
from your teeth inhibits bacteria’s ability to stick to them, and reduces your
risks of developing a dental disease, or embarrassing bad breath. As a liquid,
mouthwash can help rinse away particles of food and spots of bacteria from
places you can’t reach. Then again, so can water.
The benefit of mouthwash is what it contains, which usually
includes antimicrobial agents that can boost your fight against harmful oral
bacteria. Many also have fluoride to strengthen weakened tooth enamel and
reduce the risk of cavities, as well as odor neutralizers that chemically
eradicate malodorous sulfur compounds.
About Your Grand Prairie Family Dentist:
Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced
general, cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He
takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter
our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he
offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether
you’re a new or returning patient, you can schedule a consultation or your next
appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting
us at (972) 262-5111.
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