Is mouthrinse a major part of your oral hygiene routine? Do you sometimes substitute brushing and flossing your teeth with a swig of mouthrinse if you’re in a hurry? Mouthrinse, or mouthwash, is a convenient addition to your arsenal of hygiene products, but if you overestimate its power, you might place your smile’s good health at risk. In the interest of helping you maximize your hygiene routine, your Rochester dentist, Dr. Gilly Calcagno, explains the true potential of mouthrinse, and how it can enhance your toothbrush’s effectiveness.
Mouthrinse’s Role in Good Hygiene
Like smiles, every mouthrinse is different. Some can help your breath stay fresh, while others are designed to target harmful bacteria. Most mouthrinse brands contain a few key ingredients, including water, alcohol, flavoring ingredients, and coloring and cleansing agents. Cosmetic mouthrinse can be acquired over the counter wherever you buy your toothbrushes and toothpaste, or Dr. Calcagno can recommend a therapeutic mouthrinse to aid in preventing dental diseases. Active ingredients in therapeutic mouthrinse can include fluoride to combat tooth decay or antimicrobial ingredients that can neutralize the germs responsible for gum inflammation and disease. Therapeutic mouthrinse can also attack the germs and odor-causing compounds responsible for bad breath, rather than just masking it like over-the-counter cosmetic products.
How to Really Keep Your Mouth Clean
By rinsing your mouth out after brushing and flossing, mouthrinse can help wash away plaque and food debris from places your toothbrush and floss can’t reach. Effective hygiene, however, requires diligent brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once, preferably before bedtime. Dr. Calcagno also recommends visiting our office at least once every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning. Our talented hygienists can professionally clean plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) from your teeth and along your gum line, preventing the bacteria from compromising your teeth and gums. Dr. Calcagno will also carefully inspect your mouth for signs of trouble, and may recommend therapeutic mouthrinse, along with other preventive measures, if your dental health is at risk.
About Dr. Calcagno:
Dr. Gilly Calcagno is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Minnesota Dental Association, and is active in local dental implant study clubs. To schedule a consultation, or to learn more about how the ACA will affect your family’s dental care, call Calcagno Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry today at (507) 281-3659.
