text: Oral health is of the utmost importance. Some people think that keeping your mouth and teeth clean is only important to have a great smile or good breath, but it goes much deeper than that. Oral health is directly related to the health of almost every other organ in the body, including the bones, eyes, kidneys, gut, and even the heart. While the toothbrush is our main weapon in the war against bad oral health, there are some very useful aids to use, most importantly mouthwash. But do you need to use mouthwash? Is it a necessary tool? Find out in a bit.
  How to Control Plaque
  Plaque and tartar are the building blocks of every disease in the mouth, especially gum disease and decay. Our entire oral health depends on how successfully we eliminate plaque and tartar. This can be done with 2 methods:
  - Mechanically: by actively removing the plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth through brushing and flossing.
  - Chemically: by using chemical agents to not only clean and wash out plaque, but prevent its formation in the first place, such as toothpaste and mouthwash.
  Do You Need to Use Mouthwash?
  The answer really depends on the status of your oral hygiene, and only your dentist or hygienist can determine that. In all cases, there is no skipping brushing and flossing – aka the mechanical methods – but in some cases, adding products such as mouthwash could help in elevating the oral hygiene game, either by killing bacteria, adding protective layers, or both.
  What Types of Mouthwash Are There?
  There are many types of mouthwash on the market, depending on the active ingredient, including:
  1. Chlorohexidine Mouthwash
  Chlorhexidine is a chemical agent that washes away plaque and kills the bacteria responsible for gum disease. Use this when your gums are inflamed.
  2. Fluoride Mouthwash
  Fluoride deposits on the surface of the teeth, forming protective layers against bacteria and plaque. Fluoride mouthwash can also help with teeth sensitivity or when you have gum recession.
  3. Mouthwash With No Active Ingredient
  Their main purpose is to wash away the plaque and tartar, as well as give you a fresh breath and a shiny smile.
  To answer the question “Do you need to use mouthwash” simply, you never really “need” mouthwash, but using it could certainly help.
  If you want to learn more, give us a call and we’ll be here to help with all your needs.
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