Brushing teeth twice a day and flossing daily are crucial features of a good oral hygiene regimen. But rinsing with mouthwash between brushing routines can offer you more oral health benefits.
Mouthwash can remove plaque from your teeth that may be missed with your typical brushing habits. Dr. Fabrizio Dall’Olmo, a dentist in Santa Monica, CA, outlines three specific benefits you will notice if you add mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine.
Eliminate Bad Breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, can feel unpleasant and embarrassing. This condition often stems from lingering food particles interacting with saliva and deteriorating in your mouth.
Rinsing with a mouthwash can remove these particles from your teeth and prevent this condition from developing, especially if completed after a meal. This practice also eliminates hard-to-reach plaque, lowering your risk of garnering dental problems that can contribute to halitosis.
Strengthen Tooth Enamel
Ideally, you should rinse with a mouthwash that contains fluoride in order to receive maximum benefits from your oral hygiene practices. Fluoride strengthens enamel, the outer layer of your tooth. This will allow your teeth to better resist decay and other dental issues that could cause major damage to your smile down the road.
Fluoride can have added cosmetic benefits for your smile too. Just as your teeth can fight structural damage, they can also experience an improved ability to resist staining or discoloration with this treatment. Thus, you will be more likely to have a whiter, brighter smile.
Prevent Gum Disease
Bacteria in your mouth can spread across your teeth and infect your gums if your oral hygiene routine is ineffective. This can lead to periodontal disease, which could weaken your gums and cause major dental damage, including tooth loss.
Choosing an antibacterial mouthwash can balance bacteria in your mouth, reducing your chances of oral infections like gum disease. While dentists can treat periodontal concerns, the best way to preserve the structure of your smile is through preventative treatment like oral hygiene.
Visit Your Dentist in Santa Monica, CA
Dr. Dall’Olmo is a highly qualified dentist that can treat gum disease and other dental concerns in patients in Santa Monica, CA. Our practice specializes in restorative, implant, cosmetic, and general dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 310.736.1051.