Dentists recommend that you use mouthwash 1-2 times a day to ensure proper oral hygiene.

Although famous for giving us fresh breath, most people do not know how much mouthwash is needed to keep bad breath away and oral health in good condition.

Adding the proper use of alkaline mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine helps keep the mouth clean by going to hard to reach places that your toothbrush can't reach.

This article will explain everything you need to know about mouthwash and how often to use it.

What is mouthwash?

Mouthwash is a liquid dental product that you gargle.

You may also know it be other names such as "oral rinse" and "mouth rinse".

Purpose of Mouthwash

Mouthwash is intended to be the final step in your oral care routine after brushing with nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste and flossing.

Mouthwashes are not a replacement for brushing and flossing but rather a supplement to them.

In fact, mouthwash will be able to get in between your teeth better than your toothbrush and floss to help get rid of plaque in hard-to-reach places.

Further, you can use mouthwash to freshen your breath conveniently throughout the day without the inconvenience of having to brush.

Mouthwash Benefits

Although well-known in the world of dental products, mouthwash is underrated when it comes to the advantages it brings.

Read along and see for yourself just how beneficial mouthwash can be.

Reduces Bacteria that Cause Inflammation and Gum Disease

Mouthwash can kill harmful bacteria that contribute to gum disease.

Just a few seconds of swirling mouthwash can treat symptoms and combat gum disease such as canker sores and inflamed gums.

Throughout this process, mouthwash prevents soft tissues like your gums from becoming more inflamed.

Keeps Bad Breath Away

Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is an oral health concern among many people.

Using mouthwash prevents bad breath by washing away odor-causing bacteria inside the mouth.

Plus, it's handy to keep in your bag whenever you need to freshen up.

Helps With Brushing and Flossing

Brushing and flossing alone do not ensure you have the best chances of preventing cavity development.

Because of its liquid consistency, mouthwash reaches all the small spaces of your mouth.

This greatly helps to prevent plaque from forming, which in turn, prevents tooth decay.

Improve Oral Health

With the help of regular brushing and flossing plus dentist cleanings, using oral rinses can help keep your whole mouth clean.

When the harmful bacteria cannot organize into plaque, you minimize your chances of oral infections and ulcers like canker sores.

Prevents Dry Mouth

Most cheap mouthwashes have alcohol in them which can dry out your mouth.

Now, you might be thinking that alcohol-based mouthwashes are more effective in killing bacteria.

However, researchers have found that alcohol-based and alcohol-free mouthwashes have the same effectiveness when removing bacteria.

Therefore, using a mouthwash without alcohol can actually help support your oral microbiome and salivation instead of drying out your mouth.

How Many Times Should I Use Mouthwash?

Dentists advise that mouthwash is most effective when used one to two times a day.

You should only use mouthwash after you're done using fluoride-free toothpaste and floss.

This is because mouthwash is used to clean the areas of the mouth which toothpaste and floss cannot reach, such as tight spaces along the gumline.

Your should avoid using too much mouthwash since this may irritate your mouth, especially if the brand you are using has alcohol.

It's best to stick with the recommended usage of 1-2 times per day and get a dental appointment if any issues persist.

Should I Use Mouthwash Every Day?

Yes, you can use mouthwash twice a day each time you clean your teeth.

Mouthwash works synergistically with your standard flossing and brushing practices to deeply clean your entire mouth.

It may also be just the thing you're looking for if you already have clean teeth but also want perfectly minty, fresh breath.

Further, mouthwash can be a practical alternative for those who practice oil pulling.

While oil pulling adds a hefty 20-30 minutes to your daily routine, rinsing with mouthwash can be done in just under a minute.

Does Using Mouthwash Replace Brushing and Flossing?

No, mouthwash does not and cannot replace brushing and flossing.

Mouthwash should only be used in conjunction with the two to provide the best cleaning possible.

Using mouth rinse only without brushing and flossing will cause more harm than good to your mouth.

Brushing removes strains and breaks down plaque while flossing removes food particles stuck in between the teeth.

These functions cannot simply be replaced with the swishing around of mouthwash and will keep your teeth dirty.

Summary: How Often Should You Use Mouthwash?

Dentists recommend using mouthwash one to two times a day.

This is because mouthwash does more than just keep your breath fresh.

In fact, mouthwash provides a deep cleaning boost on top of brushing and flossing while protecting you from gum disease.

When used in conjunction with nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste, it can support your oral health by killing bacteria and fighting plaque formation.

If you have yet to try using mouthwash in your daily routine, check it out and give your gums the care they deserve!