Does Mouthwash Work?

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Does Mouthwash Work?

Most of us experience bad breath at some point. A trip to the dentist can inform you of ways to combat bad breath, and determine if your bad breath is an indicator of something more serious, like gum disease.

Whether you have chronic bad breath or suffer from the odor temporarily, you may have wondered about the effectiveness of mouthwash. These products are touted as eliminators of mouth odor.

Most mouthwashes claim to get rid of bad breath by reducing the mouth bacteria that cause odor.

Alcohol-containing mouthwashes may dry your mouth out, which can actually cause bad breath. When your mouth produces saliva, the flow washes away the smelly compounds produced by the bacteria in your mouth. Alcohol is known to dry out the tissues in your mouth, which could inhibit salivary flow and cause bad breath; however, there is some evidence that alcohol-containing mouthwashes do not dry out your mouth. There are also many alcohol-free mouthwashes on the market.

Ultimately, mouthwash freshens your breath by masking odor. Antiseptic mouthwash may reduce some of the bacteria that lead to bad breath. The best way to prevent bad breath is to practice good dental hygiene:

  • Brush your teeth and tongue after every meal.
  • Floss once a day.
  • Visit the dentist for a cleaning every six months.

Good oral hygiene is the key to preventing plaque and decay that lead to bad breath.

To learn more about fighting bad breath and mouth plaque, please contact Dumont Cosmetic Dental to schedule a consultation with Haworth-area dentist Dr. Howard Perlmutter.

Oradell Family Dental

Oradell Family Dental N/a
Address
555 Kinderkamack Road,
Suite 100,

Oradell, , NJ 07649
Map & Directions
Phone
(201) 384-9292