Mouthwash is fantastic to have on hand when you want to quickly freshen your breath and clean your mouth.
With all the myths that exist surrounding mouthwash and its usefulness, many people have eliminated mouthwash from their oral health regimen.
Myths surrounding mouthwash range from misconceptions about how to use it, whether or not you even need it, and what mouthwash can and cannot do for your oral health. While mouthwash is effective at what it does, it’s not a miracle product.
Due to improper use of mouthwash, many people aren’t seeing the actual benefits of it, thus making them feel as though it’s not needed.
It’s important to learn what mouthwash should be used for and unlearn the many myths that have you completely misinformed about the importance of mouthwash.
Myth #1: Mouthwash Isn’t Necessary
Mouthwash is often believed to be one of those things that is nice to have in the bathroom, but overall, isn’t considered necessary.
You can maintain adequate oral health without mouthwash, but incorporating mouthwash into your routine is highly recommended.
Myth #2: Mouthwash Is Supposed To Burn
Mouthwash is not supposed to burn your mouth or your gums when you use it. If it does, it’s probably because one of its active ingredients is too harsh for your mouth. Look for a gentle formula to eliminate this unsavory side effect.
Myth #3: Mouthwash Can Replace Floss
Mouthwash is a great part of any dental health routine, but it can’t be used instead of floss or toothpaste. All three of these products should be used in tandem to make sure every part of your mouth gets cleaned appropriately.
Myth #4: Mouthwash Can Replace Toothpaste
Mouthwash is not an adequate substitute for toothpaste. You shouldn’t choose between one or the other; instead, you should be brushing every day and using mouthwash frequently as well.
Mouthwash can help clean your mouth out and remove food from your mouth, but brushing is the only way to get into all the nooks and crannies of your teeth.
Myth #5: All Mouthwash Has Alcohol, Which Can Be Dangerous
Not all mouthwash has alcohol, but it’s true that a lot of it does. The alcohol is present to help eliminate bad bacteria in your mouth that can make you sick if it’s not taken care of.
However, there are some things to note about the alcohol content in mouthwash. It’s high, so it can cause your mouth to become dry if you use it too much.
A dry mouth can be very uncomfortable, and it can make bad breath even worse.
Myth #6: Mouthwash Is Unsafe For Pregnant People
Mouthwash is not unsafe during pregnancy as you’re not swallowing it, regardless of whether or not your mouthwash of choice contains alcohol.
Since many pregnant people are susceptible to things like gingivitis and gum sensitivity, mouthwash can be a soothing way to help curb some of the symptoms of those issues.
Myth #7: Mouthwash Cures All Bad Breath
Mouthwash can contribute to the elimination of bad breath, but it’s not a cure-all if you live with conditions such as halitosis.
Mouthwash isn’t a permanent fix either, as it only tends to freshen breath for a temporary amount of time.
Myth #8: Mouthwash Alone Fights Dental Health Issues
There are active ingredients in some mouthwashes that can assist you in reducing things like gingivitis, gum sensitivities, and decay, but mouthwash alone will not keep all these problems at bay. You also need to brush and floss regularly.
Myth #9: All Mouthwash Is The Same
Generally speaking, there are actually two different types of mouthwash, so not all mouthwash is the same.
Some mouthwash just simply helps you freshen your breath, while others are formulated to help you tackle oral health concerns alongside brushing and flossing.
Myth #10: There’s No Wrong Way To Use Mouthwash
Many people don’t use mouthwash properly, and therefore don’t see its benefits as effectively. You should be keeping mouthwash swirling around your mouth for at least thirty seconds before spitting it out for best results.
If you find it too difficult to hold onto mouthwash for this long, you might want to try a gentler formula.
Final Thoughts
While mouthwash is technically optional, it is definitely underrated in terms of how well it can fit in with a healthy oral health regimen.
It’s also apparent that many people haven’t been taught how to choose or use mouthwash properly, leading to all kinds of myths about this very useful product.
If you don’t know where to start when it comes to choosing an appropriate mouthwash for you, talk to your dentist to get a recommendation based on your current oral health.
It’s worth finding a mouthwash that you like and is suited for your needs so you can make sure every part of your mouth gets cleaned when it stays fresh for years to come.
