Mouthwash is a tale of two perspectives, with some people singing its praises and others believing it does more harm than good. So, what really is the truth when it comes to using mouthwash? Is it helping or hindering our oral hygiene? CK Dental shares its point of view on the pros and cons.

Can mouthwash help keep plaque at bay?

Absolutely. That is one of the main benefits of regularly using a mouthwash as it fights bacteria that can cause plaque to develop. Killing these harmful bacteria also helps reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities that are also caused when too much bacteria takes hold in your mouth.

Mouthwash won’t remove plaque though. Once it has developed you need to have it removed by a dentist. The mouthwash routine is then importance for maintaining the look and feel of your teeth once the plaque has been removed.

Fresh breath – an added bonus

There’s no denying that another clear benefit of using mouthwash each day is that it makes your breath minty fresh. It also cools your mouth and leaves it feeling fresh and tingly.

Mouthwash kills bacterial – but should they all be removed?

Most people who err on the side of caution with regards to mouthwash are concerned about just how effective it is at killing bacteria. Some of the bacteria that live inside our mouths are good for us and can help maintain a healthy digestive system. The trouble is, mouthwash can’t discriminate between the good and bad bacteria. If you’re worried that your mouthwash may be too overzealous in its bacteria-killing credentials, then you could consider using a gentle mouthwash that is purely designed to freshen breath, rather than kill bacteria.

Cosmetic mouthwashes will help with fresh, minty breath, while therapeutic mouthwashes will help kill germs. For more information about what to look for when choosing a suitable mouthwash, check out our blog which is designed to help the decision-making process.

Can mouthwash damage your teeth?

Some mouthwash contains alcohol which can have a negative impact on the delicate layer of enamel that coats your teeth. If you are worried at all about this, look for 0% alcohol on the label of your mouthwash. Plenty of these exist so they are not difficult to get hold of.