Mastering Mouthwash

Hey y'all! Here's a question we get more than you'd think:

"Is mouthwash actually doing anything, or am I just wasting my money?"

Trust me, we get it. Standing in front of that shelf with a dozen bottles all promising something different is enough to make your head spin more than swishing for 10 minutes straight. So I asked William to break it down for us, and today I want to share what we tell our patients.

First, the basics. Mouthwash, or mouth rinse, is just a liquid you swish around to cut down on the bacteria growing on your teeth and gums. But not all of them do the same job, so let's walk through the different types.

The 5 Types You'll See Most

Alcohol-based is the classic one everybody knows. When you’re thinking of the brightly-colored bottles of mouthwash, it’s probably this. It works well, but that famous burn comes with a downside: it can dry your mouth right out if you’re not careful.

Alcohol-free is the same idea, just gentler. If dry mouth is something you deal with, this is the better pick for you.

Prescription-strength is the mix-it-yourself kind. You won't find this one on the shelf, it comes straight from us.

Whitening rinses have a little peroxide in them to help lift stains and brighten your smile.

And fluoridated mouthwash is a great option if you're prone to cavities. Rinsing with it daily can make a real difference over time.

There's also a nice bonus option for anyone battling dry mouth: a lubricating rinse that fights bacteria too, so it keeps things comfortable and clean at the same time.

Why Mouthwash Isn’t Your First Line Of Defense

Here's what I really want y'all to hear: mouthwash doesn't replace brushing. If you rinse without brushing first, it'll still kill some bacteria, but nowhere close to what it can really do.

So here's the order that works best. Brush for a full two minutes and get everything nice and clean. Then rinse, usually 30 to 60 seconds of continuous swishing, though you'll always want to follow the directions on your bottle. That one-two punch is what gets you the most out of your rinse.

Still Got Questions?

We'd love to help you figure out which rinse is right for you. Next time you're in, just ask, or give us a call anytime.

- Dr. Katie