The Toothache That Changed My Life

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The Toothache That Changed My Life

I never really had problems with my teeth. Consequently, I never really saw the need to visit a dentist on a regular basis. That was until last year when I developed a sudden toothache that over-the-counter medications simply could not handle. This toothache prompted my first dental visit in more than a decade. I went in expecting to have a tooth pulled and walked out a changed man. I was expecting to hear I had a few cavities. I never expected my dentist to tell me that I had gum disease. What shocked me even more was when he told me this problem could have been prevented with regular dental care. I have not missed an appointment since that day. It is my hope that the information in this blog can prevent you from making the same mistake I did.

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When Should You Use Mouthwash?

2 July 2021
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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One of the biggest challenges in dental health is fulfilling the necessary steps to improve dental health: brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. Each of these three steps is necessary for total dental health.

Do you struggle to know when you need to use mouthwash? These are some of the things you need to know about the order of operations when it comes to dental health.

Why Use Mouthwash at All?

There are plenty of reasons to incorporate mouthwash into your dental routine if you are not using it already. For example, mouthwash does a lot more than make your breath smell fresh. It also reduces your risk of gum disease and prevents cavities from developing. It can help with gum disease and keep the overall health of your mouth the best it can be.

Should You Use Mouthwash Before or After Brushing?

Mouthwash is important, but you want to make sure that you do not do anything that could negate the act of any other part of your dental routine. For example, many people use mouthwash last because they want to have fresh breath, but doing so could remove the fluoride put on your teeth by the toothpaste you use. This can have an overall detrimental effect.

So, what can you do to keep your teeth healthy? For one, it's a good idea to use mouthwash after your meals rather than just at an endcap for the day. Mouthwash can prevent bacteria from settling into your mouth, giving you the fresh and clean feeling you want throughout the day.

Can You Rely on Mouthwash Alone?

You should not rely on mouthwash on its own. While it can do a lot to prevent cavities, it cannot do everything. You will need to focus on building a strong routine that involves mouthwash but relies on brushing and flossing to remove physical particles.

Call Your Dentist Today

A dentist can help you determine what steps you need to take your dental care to the next level. If you still have questions about which order you should use to complete these dental hygiene tasks, speak with your dentist about your unique needs.

It is also important to note that even if you use the dental trinity of flossing, mouthwash, and toothpaste, you still need regular dental checkups. A dentist can pinpoint specific dental concerns you might be missing. Schedule your regular checkup and cleaning to have healthy teeth and gums.