All Coast Dental

Thursday, May 28, 2020

Understanding Mouthwash

Mouthwashes are popular products, and many of them are approved by the American Dental Association as safe and effective. But as with toothpaste, there are so many varieties available that a person may be confused about which they should use. At All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, we can provide patients with more individualized advice, but there are a few things about using mouthwash everyone should understand.


No mouthwash is meant to replace brushing and flossing, but when used to supplement ordinary oral hygienic care, mouthwash can reach places that are difficult for toothbrushes. Over-the-counter mouthwashes may be therapeutic, meaning that they help remove plaque and kill harmful bacteria, or they may be cosmetic, which means they only reduce bad breath. Stronger therapeutic mouthwashes may require a prescription and would be used in cases such as when a patient has a dry socket.


Most mouthwashes contain alcohol and are not recommended for children under the age of six. They may also contribute to dry mouth. However, many mouthwashes also contain fluoride and can help prevent tooth decay by reinforcing enamel. People who have oral lesions may also benefit from using mouthwashes that are approved as pain relievers. As with brushing and flossing, the key to success with mouthwash is to use it frequently, rather than trying to cram a day’s worth of benefit into a single dose.


Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos operate All Coast Dental at 2180 Garnet Ave, Suite 1-K, Pacific Beach, California, 92109. To schedule an appointment, call 858-270-4904 or visit All Coast Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

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