Use Mouthwash between Dentists Visits for Keep Teeth and Gums Healthy

The opinions of whether or not mouthwash is a necessary part of proper oral hygiene vary significantly depending on the source, but most dentists are in agreement that regular use of the right type of mouthwash can significantly help reduce the chances of gum disease, cavities, and bacterial infections.

Cavities are caused by trapped food particles and bacteria building up in small cracks, crevices or spaces on or around the teeth.  The resulting plaque and growing bacteria feed upon the teeth resulting in hollow spaces, which can eventually leave the sensitive tissue within the tooth exposed.  If the decay is not drilling away and the space is not filled with a molded composite (or covered with the use of an inlay or onlay) the decay can completely ruin the tooth and spread infection throughout the mouth.  Mouthwash helps to rinse away the plaque and kill the bacteria that cause the problems.  Used in the morning or last thing at night, the mouthwash can serve as an additional barrier of protection against the damaging and unsightly decay.

Gum disease, which is now showing a direct link to cardiovascular disease, is a very serious condition within the mouth.  There are varying degrees of gum disease, some of which can be easily reversed and others which require serious intervention.  The first phase of the disease is gingivitis, which is simply a swelling of the gums.  Bleeding during brushing or flossing is common during this stage and there may be some discomfort felt.  If left untreated, the bacteria can continue to infect other areas of the mouth and fight its way down, through the gum line, to the bone.  At this point, the disease is referred to as periodontitis and the bacteria begin to form toxins, which will literally eat through bone.  Pockets form between the gums and the teeth, allow exposure to the sensitive tissue within and teeth lose their natural anchor.  As a result, gum disease can lead to tooth loss.  Using mouthwash with fluoride can strengthen the enamel against outside forces and can kill the bacteria that would feed on the gum and bone tissue.  Thus, gingivitis can be avoided and never allowed to develop into periodontitis.  This is also the reason that other bacterial infections of the pulp (soft tissue within the teeth) can be fought with mouthwash.  That infection could likely result in root canal or extraction.

Many choose to use mouthwash for its ability to fight bad breath.  This is another sign that it is killing harmful bacteria – the cause of the funky odor.  Regardless of the purpose, mouthwash can undoubtedly be a useful backup tool in oral hygiene, though it should never be used as a replacement for regular brushing, flossing, and trips to the Colorado Springs Dentists.