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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Is it necessary to use mouthwash?

    Related Topic
    Oral Health
    I always wondered if it is necessary to use mouthwash. Does it really improve my oral health beyond routine brushing and flossing? How many times a day should I use mouthwash?
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  • 6

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    Dr Roland Chong

    Dentist

    Mouthwash should be used like any medicament. Use it when you need to. My opinion is if you experience bleeding gums when brushing and flossing use mouthrinse during that period. But if you are brushing and flossing regularly and efficiently  the use of a mouthwash is not necessary.

    If bleeding gums persist after the use of mouthwash and regular cleaning then you must see your dentist.

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    Dr Kevin Jaffar

    Dentist

    Jaffar Dental - Trusted and Established since 1997. We are a family owned General Dental Practice offering a friendly and caring environment in Waterford QLD. … View Profile

    No. Most people don't need it. There are two main types:
    1. To help prevent tartar
    2. To help remineralise enamel
    Your dentist will know which one may be needed

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    Dr Michael Leong

    Dentist

    Welcome to Just Dental Care. “We do CARE”. We provide quality care and affordable dentistry to you and your family. We provide a comprehensive range … View Profile

    Is it necessary to use mouthwash?I always wondered if it is necessary to use mouthwash. Does it really improve my oral health beyond routine brushing and flossing? How many times a day should I use mouthwash?
    Mouthwash should be used as an adjunct to regular brushing and flossing and is most effective on clean teeth. Mouthwash also helps to get to those hard to reach places.
    At Just Dental Care we recommend the use of mouthwash 3 times a week before you go to bed, and not to eat or drink afterwards. Mouthwash contains chlorhexidine which help to reduce plaque and fight gingivitis. Chlorhexidine molecules works most effectively when it attaches to clean tooth structure.
    However if you find that your teeth have tartar and your gums still bleed, you may need to see your dentist for a comprehensive clean. After that the mouthwash will act more effectively.

    If you have further question contact us 07 38633604

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    Agree

    3

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    Dr Barbara Szylkarski

    Dentist

    Dr Barbara Szylkarski has 18 years experience in private practice dentistry for adults and children. She has also worked alongside one of brisbanes renowned prosthodontists, … View Profile

    Mouthwash is not essential and should not replace good brushing and flossing.

    Mouthwash can be helpful if you feel you have bad breath.  Any mouthwash can aid in cleaning the surface of the tongue and decreasing the smelly sulphur producing bacteria on your tongue.

    But don't rinse straight after brushing as you will rinse off the toothpaste and the fluoride won't have time to work.  Wait 30mins.

    A mouthwash containing chlorhexidine (such as Savacol), works the best at decreasing bacteria that cause holes in your teeth, cause gum disease and cause bad breath.

    The latest protocol for this type of rinse is to use daily for 1 week and then stop for 3 weeks.  The effect of the chlohexidine will continue beyond one week and this protocol will also help to prevent you developing staining on your teeth.  Repeated use of Chlorhexidine containing products can lead to a superficial staining on your teeth that can be cleaned off, but only with a scale and polish at the dentist.

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    Dr Jeremy Rourke

    Dentist

    As other answers on this topic will indicate, it is not necessary for everyone to use a mouthwash or mouthrinse every day of your life. For most dental patients the need for a mouthrinse will be limited to use for a few days to two weeks to help with the treatment of particular conditions effecting your teeth or gums. Just as you would not expect a doctor to put the majority of patients on antibiotics every day for the rest of their life, then dentists do not recommend all patients use mouthrinse every day. There are exceptions to this, but they are very few. 

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