Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
You wake up in the morning, reach for your toothbrush and come to a horrifying realization … you’re out of toothpaste! Do you run to the store? Wait and brush your teeth later in the day? If your toothpaste supply is gone, a popular alternative is to brush your teeth with mouthwash instead. Is this a good idea, though? Read on as Okemos’ award-winning dentist Dr. Christine Tenaglia explores this topic.
Mouthwash is no replacement for toothbrushing
When you brush your teeth, you’re using a toothpaste that has been designed specifically for your mouth, a bristled brush, and just a little bit of elbow grease to remove bacteria and biofilm from the surfaces of your teeth and tongue. Using mouthwash by itself just isn’t as effective—even if you’re applying the mouthwash to your teeth with a toothbrush. That’s because you’re missing out on the main benefits of toothpaste. Fluoridated toothpaste helps remineralize the small imperfections that develop naturally on teeth and provide additional protection against the threat of tooth decay, according to the American Dental Association. While some mouthwashes do contain fluoride, the concentration is rarely comparable to that of the amount of fluoride in toothpaste. The toothpaste itself also contains safe yet effective abrasives—small, gritty particles that help in the physical removal of plaque from your teeth, gums, and mouth. Remember that plaque is the initial building block of both tooth decay and gum disease, and it can only be removed by daily brushing (with toothpaste) and flossing, as well as six-month cleanings at the dentist.
You can gain some benefits from brushing your teeth with mouthwash, especially if you’ve chosen an antibacterial rinse, as recommended by the ADA. For the most part, though, brushing with mouthwash is a temporary measure with few lasting benefits aside from freshening your breath for the day. Mouthwash remains best suited in your oral care routine for rinsing after you brush, where it has shown proven benefits in reducing the risk of gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease.
Here’s what to look for in both toothpaste and mouthwash
When it comes to toothpaste, fluoride should be a key ingredient, even if you live in an area with a fluoridated water supply. It helps repair and strengthens your teeth. Tartar control also can be beneficial for many; it helps limit the build-up of this substance, which forms from the accumulation of dental plaque. Tartar only can be removed during a professional dental cleaning. There’s plenty of variety in toothpaste to suit your needs, with special formulas for people with sensitive teeth or who want whiter teeth. Recognize, though, that whitening toothpaste is typically more abrasive, so you have to take more care to avoid over-brushing.
Picking a mouthwash that has an antibacterial agent is key. You also want to avoid choosing a mouthwash that can contain alcohol, as this can dry out your mouth, and that burn that it causes isn’t doing anything extra.
General Dentistry in Okemos
Dr. Tenaglia and her staff at Tenaglia Smiles believe that your smile is valuable. Let us help you protect it. If you have any questions about the right oral hygiene products for you to use, or you want to schedule an appointment for a check-up, give us a call at (517) 347-6733.
Tenaglia Smiles provides state-of-the-art dentistry for our patients in the areas of Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, Michigan.