Your General Family Dentist Salinas says, “MOUTHWASH!”

A question that many of our patients ask us is “Why should we be using a mouthwash?”

The fact is, mouthwashes may conceal the existence of dental or other health problems. The most common of these is bad breath (halitosis), which can be caused by a range of causes, including poor oral hygiene, decay, infection or xerostomia (dry mouth). If NOT having bad breath is a priority, make sure to contact your Salinas Dentist Dr. Mark Washburn.

It’s important to know the differences between a mouthwash you may use at home on a daily basis (a “cosmetic” mouthwash) and one prescribed by your dentist (a “therapeutic” mouthwash).

Cosmetic Mouthwashes are on sale over the counter nearly everywhere. A Cosmetic Mouthwash may temporarily cover up bad breath, but does not fight the bacterial agent causing that bad breath. Some Cosmetic Mouthwashes contain fluoride (to fight cavities), as well as other ingredients that help fight gingivitis and decrease plaque build-up. Over-the-counter products that do have these additional ingredients only have limited ability to fight against decay, gingivitis and plaque accumulation.

Therapeutic Mouthwashes are prescribed by your dentist, include ingredients that target decay-causing agents, aid in eliminating plaque build-up, and reduce gingivitis in a more controlled and direct way than cosmetic mouthwash. The concentrations of ingredients in Therapeutic Mouthwashes are usually higher and therefore require professional advice before use.

It is important to remember that all mouthwashes are only helpful when combined with brushing twice daily and flossing once daily; At the office of Dr. Mark Washburn, we want to make sure that you do not use mouthwash as a substitute for these necessities of your oral health routine. We encourage people steer towards the alcohol-free mouthwashes.

If having fresh breath is a priority, use of a mouthwash may be helpful; only if used along with daily tooth brushing and flossing, accompanied by regular six-monthly checkups with your Salinas Dentist.

Dr. Mark Washburn has been a practicing General Family Dentist Salinas for more than 30 years. So if you live in Prunedale, Seaside, or Marina area you can find us on Romie Lane in Salinas. Check back each month for more tips and insight from Dr. Washburn.