If you’ve just gotten braces, you may have some questions about how life is going to change and about your new responsibilities. Oral hygiene, now more than ever, is going to be a big focus for you, and knowing the key components of a successful routine is going to be important.
You may already be aware of brushing and flossing, but what about using mouthwash? Let us help you figure out the answer and give you some valuable information about how you can incorporate better practices into your routine now that you have braces.
Benefits of Mouthwash
Keeping your mouth clean should be a high priority, especially when you have braces. Bacteria is always going to be around, which means you’re always going to be on a quest to eliminate it from your mouth, whether you have braces or not. Bacteria love to hide out in the mouth, and when you have braces, there are even more places for it to hide and thrive if you’re not careful. When you use mouthwash, you place yourself one step closer to decreasing your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Other benefits of mouthwash include:
- Fresher breath
- Reduction of bacteria
- Removal of debris
- Reduction of dry mouth
Using mouthwash also reduces the risk of oral cancer and other serious diseases, like heart disease.
What to Look for in a Mouthwash
Just like any product, not all mouthwashes are created equally. It’s best to find a mouthwash that is ADA-approved and contains some go-to ingredients to help fight plaque build-up and other nasty bacteria from forming. Look for a mouthwash that contains fluoride to help strengthen enamel and fight tooth decay. You’ll also want a brand that contains Cetylpyridinium chloride to help eliminate bad breath and kill bacteria, and Chlorhexidine to reduce plaque and gingivitis.
Proper Use of Mouthwash
It’s important to read the instructions carefully before use as each mouthwash can differ slightly. Pour the recommended amount out of the bottle and swish in your mouth for 30 seconds, making sure you are reaching all areas of the mouth. Finally, gargle to ensure you’re reaching the bacteria at the back of your mouth and spit it out. It’s recommended you wait at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything to allow the mouthwash time to do its job.
The Importance of Mouthwash
So if you’re wondering if mouthwash should be a step in your oral hygiene routine with braces, the answer is yes! It’s crucial to make this a part of your oral hygiene routine as it is vital to the health of your smile and of your overall well-being. Whether you have braces or not, using a quality mouthwash is strongly recommended to ensure the integrity of your teeth and gums remains and you don’t risk any serious health complications.
