The idea of having a fresh, minty breath and a clean mouth is really tempting. And thanks to her, sales of mouthwashes have been growing in recent years. But while antiseptic is often marketed as a way to keep your mouth clean and prevent gum disease, it can harm your oral hygiene.
A study in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry earlier this year found that mouthwash with a mouthwash twice a day reduced plaque buildup and reduced gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) over six months.
However, opinions about the benefits of mouthwash with this product vary. Is there any evidence that the use of mouthwashes has any clinical benefit in reducing plaque levels? but very little? says Professor Damien Walmsley, scientific advisor to the British Dental Association. “I would say that while they are useful, they can never be replaced by the mechanical action of a toothbrush to get clean teeth and gums.
• If you have good oral hygiene? brushing your teeth well and flossing well? You have a low level of tooth decay and you don't have periodontal disease or bad breath, so you're probably wasting your money? says dentist Dr. Phil Stemmer of the Fresh Breath Center in London.
The problem is that some people think they can just do the mouthwash instead of cleaning their teeth properly. "Nothing could be further from the truth," says Sally Goss, a dental hygienist at Harley Street Dental studio in London.
"I get a lot of new patients who think they are doing a fabulous job because they are using antiseptic, but when I look at their mouth, I see a different story." Are there still tartar (hardened plaque) and signs of gum disease? says Goss.
Fluoride DANGEROUS? and why are DENTISTS obsessed with it? EP 05 The Dental Drive (April 2024)
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