Using a mouthwash can be a great way to fight bad breath. But if you’re going to go to all the expense and trouble to purchase and use a mouthwash, why not choose one that benefits your oral health? The American Dental Association reports that certain mouthwashes can help reduce and prevent gingivitis (gum disease), slow down the buildup of plaque and tartar on teeth, and fight bad breath, all at the same time. The trick, of course, is to choose the right mouthwash.
When you’re shopping for a mouthwash that can accomplish all this, start by looking at the ingredients. The mouthwash should include antimicrobial agents, which work to eliminate bad bacteria that lives inside your mouth. Fluoride is another desirable ingredient – it helps to repair damaged enamel. And ingredients such as astringent salts can eliminate bad breath.
Of course, it’s important to remember that a mouthwash should be used in conjunction with your regular brushing and flossing routine. Any type of mouthwash – no matter how powerful its ingredients may be – cannot replace any other step of your oral hygiene routine. But used along with brushing and flossing, an effective mouthwash can make a positive difference. In fact, it doesn’t even matter when you use a mouthwash, whether it’s before or after you brush and floss. Just make sure that you swish the mouthwash inside your mouth for at least 30 seconds, so that it can come into contact with all of your teeth and gum tissue. And don’t swallow mouthwash. Although many of these ingredients can benefit your oral health, they are not intended to be ingested and can even be harmful if swallowed.
It’s not only adults that can benefit from using the right mouthwash – older kids can as well. This is particularly true of fluoride mouthwashes, which can provide an extra dose of this cavity-fighting ingredient. But keep in mind that mouthwashes are only intended for older children, since younger kids (under the age of 6, for example) are much more likely to swallow mouthwash rather than spitting it out.
There’s no doubt about it: when it comes to good oral health, most of us can use all the help we can get! Using the right mouthwash once or twice a day, as an addition to your regular oral hygiene routine, can provide an extra measure of protection and help to prevent or even eliminate cavities and gum disease. And that makes the small added expense and effort very worthwhile for your oral health!
Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether the pain you’re experiencing is a toothache or sinus pressure. This is especially true during cold and flu season, and during those times of year when allergies are most common. In fact, your sinuses and your teeth are connected, so sinus issues can be related to tooth pain and vice-versa. There are, however, some ways to distinguish between the two. 
Most dentists would agree that one of the most important things you can do to maintain good oral health is to visit your dentist on a regular basis for professional dental cleanings. While brushing and flossing at home plays a vital role in good oral health, you’ll never be able to clean your own teeth as thoroughly as your dentist or a trained dental hygienist. When built-up tartar and plaque isn’t removed on a regular basis, it can lead to cavities and even gum disease. To help you prepare for your professional dental cleaning, we’ve put together a list of what you can expect during your visit.
Most of us know how important it is to brush and floss your teeth every day and to visit your dentist for regular oral exams and professional cleanings. But one of the most important things you can do to maintain good oral health is by making the right food choices each and every day. Here are five foods that are not only delicious, but can also promote you and your family’s good oral health.
