Using mouthwash properly can freshen breath, prevent cavities, and treat gingivitis. The most important step is choosing the right mouthwash. Use mouthwash once a day before or after brushing your teeth, or more often if your dentist recommends it. See step 1 for more on how to use mouthwash to improve dental health.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Choosing Mouthwash
Step 1. Use a cosmetic mouthwash to disguise bad breath
If your goal is simply to freshen your breath, there are a variety of products you can choose from to disguise the smell. This mouthwash will make your mouth feel fresh and temporarily improve your bad breath. Cosmetic mouthwash is a good choice for gargling after eating strong-smelling foods, such as spaghetti with garlic sauce. Functions the same as mint breath freshener, but with fewer calories.
- However, if you have a chronic bad breath problem, cosmetic mouthwashes may not address the source of the problem. This mouthwash can only disguise bad breath, but does not kill the bacteria that cause it. The use of cosmetic mouthwash is only to freshen your mouth and bad breath.
- You can make your own cosmetic mouthwash by pouring 15 drops of peppermint or spearmint essential oil into a cup of water.
Step 2. Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to fight bacteria
If you're looking for a mouthwash that cleans your mouth, choose a mouthwash that contains antimicrobial ingredients that can reduce plaque and help treat gingivitis by killing the bacteria that cause it. Look for an over-the-counter antibacterial labeled mouthwash on the toothpaste shelf.
- Using an antibacterial mouthwash will help you deal with the source of bad breath, which is often caused by bacteria.
- You may also want to try using an antiseptic mouthwash. This mouthwash is able to kill bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses. However, antiseptic mouthwashes contain a lot of alcohol, which can dry out your mouth and cause irritation.
Step 3. Use a mouthwash containing fluoride to prevent cavities
If your goal is specifically to prevent cavities, choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride. This mouthwash can help reduce the lesions that lead to the formation of cavities in the teeth. Fluoride is found in most commercial toothpastes, and is also added to water in many cities. However, you may need to consider additional fluoride intake if your teeth are particularly prone to cavities.
Although fluoride can reduce cavities, some scientists consider it toxic to the environment and the body. Research the benefits and disadvantages of using fluoride first before you decide to use it daily
Step 4. Use prescription mouthwash for treatment
If you have an infection or other health condition, your doctor or dentist may prescribe a special mouthwash to treat the problem. Use mouthwash as directed by your doctor. Read the prescription manual for dosage and side effects.
Step 5. Use herbal mouthwash to avoid dyes and chemicals
If you're looking to start using mouthwash, but want to know exactly what you use to rinse your teeth every day, choose (or make your own) an herbal mouthwash that is good for oral health. Cloves, peppermint, and rosemary are examples of plants that are traditionally used in oral and dental preparations because of their antibacterial, antiseptic, and cooling properties.
Method 2 of 3: Using Mouthwash Effectively
Step 1. Pour 20 ml of mouthwash into a small cup
This is a standard amount of mouthwash that is sufficient to clean your teeth in one go. Your mouthwash bottle may come with a small cup (often a cap) that you can use to determine the right amount. If your mouthwash bottle doesn't come with a small cup, use a special small cup to measure it. Some fluoride mouthwashes only require 10 ml. Read the label on the mouthwash to find out how much you should use.
Unless you're using a prescription mouthwash, there's no need to make sure the amount is right. Use just enough to gargle as long as you feel comfortable
Step 2. Pour into your mouth
Bring the cup to your mouth, and pour out the entire contents at once. Keep your mouth closed so that the mouthwash doesn't come out while you're gargling. Do not swallow mouthwash. Mouthwash may contain harsh chemicals that should not be swallowed.
Step 3. Gargle between your teeth for 30 seconds to 1 minute
Follow the instructions on the bottle to find out how long to rinse your mouth. Make sure that the mouthwash touches the front and back of your teeth. Gargle until it touches your molars and front teeth, under your tongue, and on the roof of your mouth.
Step 4. Discard the mouthwash
When finished gargling, throw it into the drain. Rinse the drains to clear them of any residual mouthwash.
Depending on the type of mouthwash, you may have to wait 1/2 hour or more before drinking water or eating to increase its effectiveness. Read the guide on the bottle to find out how long you should wait
Method 3 of 3: Knowing When to Use Mouthwash
Step 1. Use mouthwash before brushing your teeth
According to the American Dental Association, you can use mouthwash both before and after brushing-both are equally effective. The more important thing is to use a quality mouthwash.
Step 2. Use it to freshen your breath at any time
You can carry a small bottle of mouthwash with you throughout the day to freshen your breath after eating. If you have a problem with bad breath, use it instead of mints throughout the day.
Step 3. Don't use mouthwash as a substitute for brushing and flossing
Mouthwash is a complement to oral care, not a substitute. Be sure to keep brushing and flossing as recommended by your dentist. In most cases, you should brush your teeth twice a day, and floss once a day. Use mouthwash every time you brush your teeth, or in the morning and evening--according to your habit.
Step 4. Seek further advice from your dentist
If you use mouthwash to treat gingivitis, chronic bad breath, or cavities, be sure to use the right mouthwash by seeing your dentist. Mouthwash alone may not be effective enough to treat your problem, so take care of your teeth before they get worse.
Tips
- Do not rinse with water immediately after using mouthwash. The benefits of mouthwash still remain after disposal, and rinsing with water will thin it out and reduce its effect.
- Some mouthwashes with a high mint content can dry out your mouth, so limit their use.
- Use a mouthwash that contains fluoride, which is good for your teeth.
Warning
- Do not swallow mouthwash.
- Keep children away from mouthwash. Or, since non-fluoride mouthwashes are currently available for children, talk to your dentist about the amount you should use.
- Mint may be too strong for some people.
- Always read the mouthwash guidelines. Call the poisoning emergency number if you swallow a lot of mouthwash.
- Some people recommend gargling several times, some of the amount of mouthwash used is also different.
- Try to avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol as they can increase the risk of cancer and other health risks.
