Supermarket shelves are full of mouthwash with promises of fresh breath, whiter teeth and healthy gums. But do you really need it? The short answer: for most people mouthwash is an addition, never a replacement for good brushing.
Is mouthwash necessary besides brushing?
If you brush carefully twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily, you usually manage perfectly well without mouthwash. Mouthwash does not remove plaque mechanically. It can add a little extra protection or freshen the mouth, but it does not wipe away the sticky film on your teeth.
What types of mouthwash are there?
Not every mouthwash does the same thing. It is wise to look at the active ingredient and the purpose.
- Cosmetic mouthwash: mainly gives a fresh taste and breath, but has little protective effect
- Fluoride mouthwash: can help strengthen enamel, for example when the risk of cavities is higher
- Antibacterial mouthwash: for example with cetylpyridinium chloride, intended to reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth
- Chlorhexidine: a strong antibacterial agent that dentists sometimes prescribe temporarily, for example after a procedure
When can mouthwash be useful?
There are situations in which a rinse can be a helpful addition. Think of people with fixed braces, where brushing is more difficult, people with a dry mouth or a higher risk of cavities, or temporary use after a treatment. It can also help when brushing is temporarily difficult for another reason. Whether it is useful for you depends on your own situation and is best discussed with your dentist or dental hygienist.
How do you use mouthwash properly?
- 01
Choose the right moment Timing
Use mouthwash at a different time from brushing, for example after lunch, so that the fluoride from your toothpaste is not rinsed away.
- 02
Measure the right amount Dose
Follow the instructions on the packaging, often about 10 to 20 milliliters, and do not use more than needed.
- 03
Rinse for the stated time Rinse
Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for the stated time, usually 30 to 60 seconds, then spit it out.
- 04
Do not swallow Safe
Do not swallow mouthwash, and let children use it only under supervision and if it is suitable for their age.
Practical tip: if possible, choose an alcohol-free mouthwash. Alcohol can cause a burning sensation and make the mouth drier, which is unhelpful if you already have a dry mouth.
Can mouthwash have disadvantages?
With long-term use of strong antibacterial agents such as chlorhexidine, staining of the teeth, changes in taste or irritation of the mucous membrane can occur. Use these products only on advice. In addition, fresh breath from mouthwash can mask an underlying problem such as gum inflammation or a cavity. If bad breath or an unpleasant feeling persists, a check-up is wiser than trying one mouthwash after another.
Mouthwash for children and during braces treatment
For children mouthwash is usually not necessary, certainly not while they still tend to swallow rather than spit. With fixed braces it is different: plaque stays behind more easily around the brackets, so a fluoride rinse is sometimes recommended. This is always a decision best made together with your dentist or orthodontist, based on age and the situation in the mouth.
When is it wise to visit the dentist?
Make an appointment if your gums bleed, if your mouth often feels dry or burning, if you have persistent bad breath, or if white patches or sores in the mouth do not heal within a few weeks. Your dentist or dental hygienist can assess whether mouthwash suits you and which type is best.
Frequently Asked Questions
IMPORTANT NOTE
This content is for informational purposes only; it does not substitute personal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Your personalized treatment plan will be determined after a clinical examination by Mondzorg HS dentists.