How Much Mouthwash Do You Need to Rinse Your Mouth?

When it comes to oral care, most just brush their teeth twice daily and floss between them once daily. Meanwhile, people often overlook mouthwash or only use it occasionally — an unfortunate fact given that it can do more than just freshen your breath. Used well, the rinse could serve as a major boost to your dental hygiene routine.

If you’re interested in trying mouthwash in the future, your dentist in far North Dallas can help out. Here’s a summary of mouthwash’s benefits, how to use it properly, and whether it’s safe for children.

How Does Mouthwash Benefit Your Smile?

Mouthwash does more than other methods to wash away food debris stuck in hard-to-reach parts of your mouth. In doing so, it helps prevent things like bacterial buildup and gum irritation.

More importantly, the liquid kills harmful mouth germs that cause gum disease. Since the latter can weaken gums enough to trigger tooth loss, that’s an excellent aid to oral health.

Still, none of this makes mouthwash a substitute for your toothbrush or dental floss. Remember to brush and floss before following up with a mouth rinse.

How Do You Use Mouthwash Properly?

To fully benefit from mouthwash, it’s essential to use it properly. Follow these steps when rinsing with it:

1. Pour twenty milliliters (i.e., four teaspoons) of mouthwash into a cup.
2. Empty the cup into your mouth.
3. Swish your mouth for thirty seconds and gargle the mouthwash. Allow it to reach all areas of your mouth —the roof, teeth, gums, tongue, etc.
4. Spit the solution out into the sink. Do your best not to swallow it!

Most brands recommend that you carry out this process twice daily each time you finish brushing your teeth.

Can Kids Use Mouthwash Too?

Younger children shouldn’t use mouthwash because they’re less likely to avoid swallowing it. This especially applies to those under six years old.

At most, children between the ages of six and twelve may use an alcohol-free mouthwash. However, they should only do so when under close adult supervision.

Regardless of age, keep all mouth rinses out of your child’s reach when unused.

Knowing its benefits and proper usage, you should see that mouthwash is a great way to protect your teeth and gums. Consider a dentist-approved brand the next time you wrap up your daily brushing!

About the Practice

Dr. Robert. E. Tafel is one of Dallas-Fort Worth’s top dentists. He’s well-known for going out of his way to put his patients at ease so they can get a great smile smoothly and comfortably. Thanks to his ability, he can provide high-quality preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatments. Best of all, his services are highly affordable through most insurance plans, Medicaid, and CHIP. Dr. Tafel currently practices at Bear Creek Family Dentistry and can be reached at his website or by phone at (972)-490-1600.