Bad Breath: Is Mouthwash the Answer?

Posted .

You probably know someone who incorporates mouthwash into their daily routine. You probably know that using mouthwash can benefit your smile–particularly your breath– but did you know that there are a few other perks you could enjoy by using mouthwash regularly?

To be fair, some mouthwashes are only meant to cover bad breath, but if you are using mouthwash consistently just to improve your breath, please know that you could actually be covering a deeper, underlying problem. If you’re experiencing this problem, we recommend visiting our dentists, Dr. McMurray or Dr. Williams, to examine your teeth. Still, even mouthwashes designed to enhance your smile can be useful for preventing tooth decay because it will carry away the plaque and bacteria that can lead to gum disease.

While these aesthetic mouthwashes are useful for preventing tooth decay by carrying food away, others are specifically designed to strengthen gum disease or tooth decay. Some of these have fluoride in them, which is designed to strengthen your teeth. However, while this mouthwash is very useful for fighting off potential problems, it can be even more useful if you’ve ever dealt with gum disease or tooth decay.

Still, not every mouthwash is right for everyone. Many mouthwashes contain alcohol. While this will help fight bacteria, it may lead to dry mouth and is usually bad for children.

Finally, please remember that using mouthwash should not act as a substitute for brushing and flossing. If you would like to learn more about the best type of mouthwash for you, please don’t hesitate to contact Legacy Smiles Family Dental at 208-888-3311 . We look forward to hearing from you.