While not necessary, mouthwash can be beneficial to use in your daily oral hygiene routine alongside flossing, brushing, and tongue scraping.

Mouthwash is good for your oral health as it can provide several benefits such as:

• freshening breath

• reducing plaque formation

• remove dental caries

• reducing/preventing acid-induced erosion

• and whitening teeth.

Now, while it can be beneficial for your oral health, many dental experts suggest that incorporating an alcohol free mouthwash is preferred over an alcohol based mouthwash.

Keep on reading to learn everything you need to know about the necessity of mouthwash in your daily dental care routine.

Why should I use mouthwash?

You should use mouthwash in your daily oral care routine as it can provide several benefits for your oral health such as freshening breath and removing bacteria from hard-to-reach areas of your mouth.

Mouthwash typically contains antimicrobial and other active ingredients that work to inhibit odor-causing bacteria and reduce the bacteria that cause tooth decay and many oral health problems.

There are different types of mouthwash, including:

1. Alcohol based: These mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can cause a burning sensation in the mouth and may not be suitable for everyone.

2. Alcohol free: These mouthwashes do not contain alcohol and are generally considered safer for daily use.

3. Prescription mouthwashes: These mouthwashes require a prescription from a dentist and contain higher levels of fluoride or other active ingredients to address specific oral health issues

Please note that while beneficial, using mouthwash should not replace brushing with nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste, flossing, and using a tongue scraper.

Is it really necessary to use mouthwash?

While not necessary, incorporating mouthwash into your daily routine can greatly benefit your oral health. Not only does it kill bacteria, but it also helps prevent:

• tooth loss

• tooth decay

• plaque buildup

• and bad breath.

Moreover, several studies have demonstrated that mouthwash is effective in improving oral health, and some clinical studies even show that it can fight gingivitis.

Therefore, it's helpful to use mouthwash daily to inhibit the growth of plaque biofilm, particularly in areas of the mouth that are less accessible by toothbrushing or flossing.

Benefits of Mouthwash

Fresh Breath

Mouthwash products provide an immediate solution to reduce bacteria in your mouth for freshening breath, making it a popular choice for individuals concerned about oral malodor.

Preventing Tooth Decay

Studies suggest that using alkaline mouthwash can help prevent and stop dental erosion by neutralizing the acidity of common beverages.

Reducing Plaque Build-Up

Antibacterial mouthwash helps reduce plaque accumulation on healthy teeth, supporting overall dental health when used after you brush your teeth.

Beneficial for Pregnant Women

Researchers suggest that pregnant women can benefit from using mouthwash due to hormonal changes and increased levels of estrogen and progesterone, which can affect the gums and teeth, potentially leading to conditions like pregnancy gingivitis.

Additionally, dietary habits, lifestyle changes, and morning sickness may also contribute to dental issues and can lead to severe complications.

Are there any side effects to using mouthwash?

Using mouthwash daily is generally good for you, but there can be a few risks to consider.

Most mouthwash that people commonly buy from grocery stores has alcohol, which might dry out your mouth and, ironically, contribute to bad breath over time.

Plus, you'll want to watch out for chlorhexidine as evidence shows it can turn your teeth brown or increase your chances of getting tartar.

So, what's the key here? Choose a gentle, alcohol free mouthwash that still has the same efficacy without causing a burning sensation or other harmful effects.

How to Use Mouthwash

1. Pick up some SWISH Mouthwash

2. Measure out about 20mL of product

3. Swish and gargle for about 30 seconds

4. Spit it out, don't rinse!

That's it! You'll want to avoid eating or drinking immediately afterward, and, of course, consistency is key.

Best Practices for Using Mouthwash

For individuals incorporating mouthwash into their daily routine, the following best practices ensure optimal results:

• Consistency is key: Incorporate mouthwash into your daily routine for consistent oral care.

• Choose the right type: Select a mouthwash that suits your specific needs. Whether you're focusing on reducing plaque, preventing cavities, or combating bad breath, there are different formulations available.

  For instance, SWISH Mouthwash can be your great option as it is alcohol free and contains an alkaline pH to balance your saliva pH. This is crucial for your overall oral health, as excessive acidity can contribute to enamel erosion and other dental issues.

• Follow instructions: adhere to the recommended usage instructions on the mouthwash product for optimal effectiveness.

By following these oral hygiene practices and using alcohol free mouthwash properly in your daily routine, you can ensure that you are using mouthwash safely and effectively.

What happens if you use mouthwash everyday?

Using mouthwash daily offers optimal oral health benefits, but it depends on the type of your mouthwash, and on how you use it.

By choosing a gentle, alcohol-free mouthwash and using it daily, you'll notice that you have fresher breath, healthier teeth, and better oral health.

In fact, mouthwash is particularly helpful for your daily use as it reaches areas that are difficult to clean with a toothbrush or floss, like the back of your tongue, the roof of the mouth, the throat, and in between your teeth.

Can mouthwash be used by children?

Yes, mouthwash can be used by children, as it is essential for everyone!

The American Dental Association indicates that incorporating mouthwash into a child's daily oral hygiene routine can help reduce the risk of developing dental caries.

However, children below the age of six should not be using mouthwash unless under the supervision of parents or healthcare professionals and know how to spit.

Further, mouthwash can also improve the quality of breath, which may have a positive effect on a child's confidence levels.

That said, it's important to choose the right type of mouthwash for your child. For example, antiseptic mouthwash with alcohol may cause toxicity concerns, especially if your child accidentally swallows it.

Therefore, alcohol-free and natural mouthwashes are the safer option.

When should I use mouthwash?

You should use mouthwash as a part of your oral care routine, ideally after brushing and flossing, to help rinse away leftover bacteria and debris. 

Studies suggest that using mouthwash at night can be particularly effective since it provides protection for your teeth while you sleep, when saliva production is lower. It’s best to use alcohol-free mouthwash, as research indicates it is gentler on gums, helps maintain moisture in the mouth, and reduces the risk of dry mouth.

Alcohol-free mouthwash is also recommended for people with sensitive teeth or those prone to gum irritation as alcohol-based mouthwashes can disrupt the natural balance of oral bacteria and cause discomfort for certain individuals. Mouthwash is especially beneficial after meals or snacks to neutralize acids and freshen breath. 

Ultimately, by incorporating a non-alcoholic mouthwash into your routine, you can effectively support oral health without the potential downsides of alcohol-based products.

The Bottom Line: Do you need mouthwash?

While you don't necessarily need mouthwash in your oral care routine, it can be a helpful addition and promote the benefits of brushing, flossing, and tongue scraping.

For best results, we recommend picking up an alcohol free mouthwash and using it as needed - whether that's in the morning, before bed, or simply throughout the day as you see fit.

But hey, don't forget that mouthwash is a supplement to your oral routine! It shouldn't replace brushing with nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste, flossing, and tongue scraping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you really need a mouthwash?
While you don't need a mouthwash, many dental experts recommend it for maintaining oral hygiene, and many people like using it for the convenience factor. Mouthwash can help kill harmful bacteria, freshen breath, and reach areas that may be difficult to clean with brushing and flossing alone. Just keep in mind that it is not a substitute for regular brushing and flossing.

Is it good to use mouthwash everyday?
Yes, it is good to use mouthwash every day. We recommend using an alcohol free mouthwash as some individuals experience a burning sensation or dry mouth from alcohol-based mouthwashes. Further, alcohol free mouthwash is a safer option for children. make sure to use alcohol-free mouthwash, as it is effective and safe for your oral health.

How often should I use mouthwash?
We recommend using alcohol free mouthwash 30 minutes after brushing, once or twice per day as needed.

What is the healthiest mouthwash to use?
The healthiest mouthwash to use is one that contains no alcohol, has an alkaline pH, and is formulated with natural herbs, such as SWISH Mouthwash. It is beneficial for your oral health and poses no risk unlike mouthwashes with fluoride or alcohol.

What mouthwashes to avoid?
We recommend avoiding mouthwashes that contain high levels of alcohol, as they can contribute to issues like mouth dryness and burning sensation. Additionally, fluoride mouthwash with excessive artificial additives or strong chemicals may not be suitable for everyone.

What are the pros and cons of mouthwash?
Mouthwash helps reduce bacteria, freshen breath, and protect against cavities when used as part of a regular oral care routine. However, alcohol-based mouthwashes may cause dry mouth and irritate sensitive gums. Using alcohol-free or specialized mouthwash can minimize these downsides while still providing oral health benefits.

Is it good to use mouthwash daily?
Using mouthwash daily can be beneficial if it complements brushing and flossing, as it helps reduce bacteria and freshen breath. However, studies suggest that alcohol-based mouthwash may cause dryness or irritation with frequent use. Opting for an alcohol-free mouthwash is a safer choice for daily use to support oral health without unwanted side effects.

What are the benefits of mouthwash?
Mouthwash provides several benefits, including reducing bacteria in the mouth, freshening breath, and helping to prevent cavities and gum disease. It can also reach areas that brushing and flossing might miss, offering additional protection for your teeth and gums. Some mouthwashes are specially formulated to address specific concerns, like sensitivity, enamel repair, or maintaining a healthy pH balance.