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Brushing and Mouthwash Order
The order of your oral hygiene routine matters.
Using mouthwash right after brushing rinses off the toothpaste prematurely, which lessens the positive effects offluoridein the toothpaste.
Certain ingredients in dental care products can also affect the order.
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Don’t overdo it.
Overusing mouthwash can throw off the balance in the mouth’smicrobiome(the community of microbes in your mouth).
For example,chlorhexidineis used for treating conditions such as gum disease, mouth ulcers, andoral thrush.
Each of these requires a different length of treatment.
Mouthwashes that contain alcohol can dry and damage sensitive tissues.
Mouthwashes that contain fluoride are often a good option.
To brush your teeth:
What Can Mouthwash Help Improve?
Depending on the formulation, mouthwash can help with:
Mouthwash does not replace brushing or flossing.
Talk to your dental care provider before adding mouthwash to your oral care routine.
This could cause nausea, vomiting, and, if it contains alcohol, intoxication.
Check the label carefully for age recommendations and restrictions, and follow all instructions and precautions.
Summary
In addition to brushing and flossing, mouthwash can help support oral health.
It is best to use mouthwash before brushing or at another time of day, separate from brushing.
Mouthwashes can have different active ingredients, which change their purposes and effects.
Read labels and follow directions and precautions.
Mouthwash is not right for everyone and should not be used by children under 6 years old.
Talk to your dental care provider about mouthwash options that are safe for you and meet your needs.
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