Gum disease is surprisingly common: over 50% of adults are struggling with some degree of this affliction. The earliest stage of gum disease, known as “gingivitis”, can be stopped in its tracks with a good oral hygiene regimen. However, the fact remains that not all of us are doing everything we can to prevent it from happening. When brushing and flossing aren’t enough, adding a mouthwash to your nightly oral care can help you step up your game against gingivitis.
What Mouthwash is Best for You?
Most of us are familiar with the uncomfortable burn of swishing with mouthwash, and when we browse the aisles at the store, we may deliberately try to find something gentler to use in our mouths. Mouthwash isn’t a cure-all for gum disease; while it can effectively aid in protecting your teeth and your gums, it must be used in conjunction with brushing and flossing. Mouthwashes typically come in three main formats: fluoride depositing, odor masking, and antibacterial. Understanding the difference between the three can help you choose the best one to help combat gum disease.
| • | Fluoride Rinses: These don’ |
| • | t disinfect the mouth, but rather, they deposit fluoride directly onto your teeth and gums. This is great for warding off dental caries but does very little to fight gum disease. |
| • | Odor Masking: This mouthwash is great at freshening your breath, and it may even help kill odor-causing germs, but when it comes to gum disease, this one is also not very helpful. |
| • | Antibacterial: This is the kind of mouthwash you need to reach for. You don’ |
| • | t have to choose one with burning alcohol, but instead, ensure that it contains bacteria-fighting ingredients. For patients with advanced gum disease, we may prescribe mouthwash with chlorhexidine for extra protection against bacteria. |
Mouthwash is a great tool to have in your arsenal against gum disease. While it’s not effective as a standalone, when used alongside brushing and flossing, it can be highly beneficial. It’s also extremely important to have regular dental exams with cleanings to help prevent gum disease. Our office is trained to help spot any signs of infection or gum disease in your mouth, so please give us a call today to schedule your next dental appointment and cleaning.
