Keeping your mouth clean is crucial if you hope to prevent serious dental problems, including tooth decay and gum disease. Though we practice good oral hygiene and visit our dentists regularly, there are more ways we can preserve our oral health.
Rinsing with mouthwash can give you more than just a pleasant, fresh feeling. Dr. Joseph Thompson, a dentist practicing in Greeley, CO, describes three oral health benefits you can experience if you add mouthwash to your routine.
Boost Oral Hygiene
Natural bacteria create a film of plaque over your teeth as your day progresses, so you practice oral hygiene to get rid of it before it can harm your smile. This regimen involves brushing teeth twice a day and flossing daily.
However, you consume substances between these routines that can contribute to plaque build-up. Rinsing with mouthwash, especially after a meal, can boost oral hygiene and therefore keep your mouth healthy. It also reduces the likelihood of forming bad breath, a condition that occurs when lingering food particles begin to break down in your mouth.
Strengthen Tooth Enamel
Your teeth are durable and withstand regular wear and tear thanks to the strong surface of your teeth, which is called enamel. Over time, enamel can thin or weaken for a number of reasons, and if the enamel is gone, it cannot regrow.
You can fortify your enamel by choosing a mouthwash that contains fluoride. This material absorbs into the enamel and allows your teeth an improved ability to fight off structural and cosmetic harm.
Prevent Periodontal Problems
Good oral hygiene protects the health of your gums as well. If bacteria remain in your mouth, they can spread and infect your gums, developing into periodontal disease. This condition can cause severe damage to your smile without treatment from a dental professional and potentially result in tooth loss.
Dentists recommend preventative care when it comes to periodontal health. Using an antibacterial mouthwash will balance bacteria in your mouth and lower your risk of contracting gum disease. This can also alleviate uncomfortable symptoms of periodontal problems, including swollen, sore, or bleeding gums.
Learn More from Your Greeley, CO Dentist
Dr. Thompson is a highly qualified dentist, treating dental patients of all ages in Greeley, CO. Thompson Advanced Dentistry specializes in cosmetic, restorative, and general dentistry, including periodontal therapy. To schedule an appointment with our practice, contact us online or reach our office by phone at 970.205.9614.