Using mouthwash correctly can freshen your breath, help prevent tooth decay, and treat gingivitis. The first step is to choose the right product. Use it once a day, before or after brushing your teeth, but even more often if your dentist recommends it. Read on to find out how to use it for better oral hygiene.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Mouthwash
Step 1. Use cosmetic mouthwash to mask bad breath
If your goal is simply to freshen your breath, there is a good assortment of products to choose from to hide bad odor. It will leave a pleasant taste in your mouth and temporarily improve your breath. After eating a particularly pungent food, such as spaghetti with garlic and oil, it is an ideal product to rinse the mouth. It has the same function as an after meal mint, but with fewer calories.
- If you suffer from chronic bad breath, cosmetic mouthwash will not fight the cause of the problem. It hides the bad smell, but it does not eliminate the bacteria that generate it. Its purpose is only to improve the breath and leave a feeling of freshness in the mouth.
- You can make a cosmetic mouthwash by pouring 15 drops of peppermint or peppermint essential oil into a glass of water.
Step 2. Use antimicrobial mouthwash to kill bacteria
If you want a mouthwash that effectively sanitizes your mouth, choose one that contains antimicrobial substances that reduce plaque and help fight gingivitis by eliminating bacteria. Look for one at the grocery store or pharmacy - the label should say it's antibacterial.
- Using an antibacterial mouthwash will help fight the cause of bad breath, which is often caused by bacteria.
- You could also try an antiseptic mouthwash. It will eliminate bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses. In any case, this product contains a lot of alcohol, which can dry out and irritate the mouth.
Step 3. Use a fluoride mouthwash to prevent tooth decay
If your goal is to keep your teeth from looking pretty, you need to choose a fluoride-containing product. Helps reduce injuries that cause tooth decay. Fluoride is found in most commercially available toothpastes. In some cities it is also added to water, but if your teeth are particularly prone to cavities, you should use a special product.
Fluoride helps fight tooth decay, but some scientists think it is toxic to the body and the environment. Before introducing it into your daily hygiene habits, learn about the pros and cons of using fluoride
Step 4. Use a prescription mouthwash to treat an oral disorder
If you have an infection or other health problem, your dentist may prescribe a specific mouthwash to treat it. Use it according to the specialist's instructions. Follow the instructions given to you with the prescription to dose it correctly, while the side effects you will find on the package insert.
Step 5. Use a herbal mouthwash to avoid dyes and other artificial chemicals
If you want to start using mouthwash but want to know exactly what ingredients it contains, buy one (or make it yourself) that is herbal to promote good oral hygiene. Cloves, peppermint and rosemary are all herbs traditionally used in oral solutions due to their antibacterial, antiseptic and refreshing properties.
Part 2 of 3: Use It Effectively
Step 1. Pour 20ml of mouthwash into a shot glass
This standard amount is enough to clean your teeth in a single dose. Generally the bottle has a dispenser (often this is the cap) that you can use to measure it. If it doesn't, pour it into a shot glass you made for this purpose. In the case of some fluoride mouthwashes, only 10ml is needed. Read the label to determine how much to use.
Unless it's a prescription mouthwash, don't worry too much about the exact amount. Use enough to fill your mouth without feeling any discomfort
Step 2. Pour it into your mouth
Bring the dispenser close to your mouth and pour it all in one go. Close your lips to prevent the liquid from leaking out when you start rinsing. Do not ingest it. It may contain harmful chemicals that should not be introduced into the body.
Step 3. Rinse for 30-60 seconds
Follow the instructions on the package, so you know exactly how long to make them. Make sure you move the mouthwash around to work on both the front and back of the teeth. Also pass it between the molars, between the incisors, under the tongue and on the palate.
Step 4. Spit it out
Once rinsing is complete, spit it into the sink (rinse it to get rid of any residual mouthwash).
Depending on the type of mouthwash used, it may be necessary to wait at least half an hour before being able to drink or eat, in order to enhance the effectiveness of the product. Read the instructions on the package to know if you should wait
Part 3 of 3: Knowing When to Use It
Step 1. Use it before or after brushing your teeth
According to the American Dental Association, it doesn't matter if you use mouthwash before or after brushing your teeth - it's effective in both cases. What really matters is choosing a good quality product.
Step 2. Use it to freshen your breath as often as needed
You can carry a vial of mouthwash with you throughout the day to freshen your breath after meals. If you have bad breath problems, it can be a good alternative to the constant use of mints.
Step 3. Do not use it as a substitute for toothpaste and dental floss
Mouthwash is meant to complement your oral hygiene habits, not replace them. Be sure to continue brushing and flossing as recommended by your dentist. In most cases, you should brush your teeth twice a day and floss once. Use it every time you wash them, or just in the morning or in the evening: decide according to your needs.
Step 4. Ask your dentist for more information
If you're using a mouthwash to treat gingivitis, chronic bad breath, or tooth decay, you should make an appointment with your dentist to make sure it's the right product. Mouthwash alone may not be effective enough to treat the problem, so it's important to get treatment before the situation gets worse.
Advice
- Do not rinse your mouth immediately after using the mouthwash. Its properties continue to work after you spit it out, so rinsing it will dilute it and decrease its effectiveness.
- Some mouthwashes that contain large amounts of mint can dry out your mouth, so limit their use.
- Use a fluoride-containing mouthwash, which is good for your teeth.
Warnings
- Do not ingest the mouthwash.
- Children should not use mouthwash and should not be left within their reach. However, there are now mouthwashes suitable for children that do not contain fluoride. Ask your child's dentist to tell you which doses to use.
- Mint may be too strong for some.
- Always read the instructions. If you ingest too much mouthwash, go to the emergency room right away.
- The times you need to use mouthwash and the doses vary based on the type of product and your dentist's instructions.
- Try to avoid alcohol-containing mouthwashes, as they can increase the risk of getting cancer and other health problems.
