When it comes to gum health, preventative care is crucial. Periodontal disease requires intervention from a dental professional to treat, so you should maintain good oral health with proper oral hygiene methods to protect your smile.
Mouthwash can enhance your dental health in many ways, including for your gums. Dr. Bradley Dean, a periodontist in Plano, TX, outlines three advantages you can experience if you add mouthwash to your routine.
Enhance Oral Hygiene
Plaque forms over our teeth throughout our day thanks to natural bacteria in our mouths. We remove this plaque with oral hygiene regimens to prevent plaque from causing damage to teeth and gums.
Proper oral hygiene includes brushing teeth twice a day and flossing daily. However, we consume substances that contribute to plaque build-up between these oral hygiene regimens. Rinsing with mouthwash can clean your smile and keep it healthy, especially when used after a meal.
Balance Bacteria
Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria in your mouth spread and infect gum tissue. While poor oral hygiene can increase the likelihood of this infection, some patients may contract gum disease due to factors outside of their control.
Many periodontists recommend antibacterial mouthwash for patients prone to gum issues. Rinsing with this mouthwash can balance bacteria and lower the chances of developing periodontal disease or other conditions.
If you notice bleeding, swelling, or soreness in your gums, this type of mouthwash may help your oral health. You should also speak to your periodontist for more information about eliminating gum disease for good, as this condition does not go away on its own.
Strengthen Tooth Enamel
Tooth enamel, the surface of your tooth, may seem separate from your gums, but oral health is comprehensive. If your teeth are not healthy, your gums could suffer as well.
You can boost your dental health by rinsing with a mouthwash that contains fluoride. Fluoride strengthens enamel, making your teeth more resistant to structural and cosmetic damages. Your teeth could have fewer cavities and less discoloration if you use this mouthwash regularly along with your typical oral hygiene routine.