If you’ve ever traveled down the toothpaste aisle at Duane Reade or CVS you’ll encounter multitudes of mouthwash products. Some claim to be germ killing, while others tout their fluoride content, or their teeth whitening abilities and all state they will freshen your breath.

Should dental mouthwash be part of your daily dental hygiene routine?  The most important aspect of keeping your teeth clean and healthy is to brush and floss twice per day upon waking and before going to sleep. 

When you wake up in the morning do you have morning mouth?  What is morning mouth?  It’s that feeling that your mouth is not clean, maybe bad breath, maybe sticky but just not right.  Actually bacteria have been growing in your mouth all night long.  Time to get out your toothpaste and floss and restore your mouth to a more clean environment.   If you think about it, why would there be any other condition present? 

In addition to brushing and flossing in the morning you should be brushing and flossing before you go to bed.  This helps because you are cleaning your mouth before going to sleep making less morning mouth when you wake up.  So if flossing and brushing are essential where does mouthwash come in.

If you follow the directions on the bottle it may slightly help especially if it contains fluoride but brushing and flossing is what you should be doing and of course making biyearly visits to the dentist for professional cleanings and exams.

It is preferable to use mouthwashes that do not contain alcohol since this causes your mouth to dry out.  Many people use mouthwash to control bad breath but if your mouthwash contains alcohol this could worsen the situation.  However mouthwashes without alcohol can aid in freshening your breath.

If you have chronic bad breath then you should come to visit us since this may be due to gum disease or tooth decay.  Mouthwashes may make you feel better when you have a sore throat from a cold but your best defense is still to brush and floss twice per day.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit we want you to be healthy, happy, look and feel your best.  We are located in Yorkville on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in the 10028 zip code.  If you are in the area on Third Avenue between 84th and 85th Streets we would love to meet with you and make your teeth and mouth healthy and happy.  Call us today at 212 517 9000 to schedule your dental check up appointment

Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you.