October is National Dental Hygiene Month, and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) is working to promote dental hygiene awareness. The ADHA message has four parts: brushing, flossing, rinsing with mouthwash, and chewing sugar-free gum. Your Ankeny dentist Dr. Foust would like to look a little closer at the benefits of anti-microbial mouthwash.
The Benefits of Using Mouthwash
The 2007 Journal of Dental Hygiene published an article detailing why anti-microbrial mouthwashes are beneficial to oral health. It shares that teeth alone are not the only surfaces that can develop plaque. Bacteria also form on tongues, in saliva, and on the oral mucosa, the mucous membrane lining the inside of the mouth. The bacteria can then transfer to teeth and thrive there. That is why an anti-microbrial mouthwash is beneficial: it can target bacteria throughout the mouth in addition to reducing plaque from those hard to reach spots that toothbrushes often miss, between teeth. In fact, the article reports that in May 2007, the American Dental Association on Scientific Affairs published new advice focusing on the advantages to using an ADA-Accepted anti-microbial mouthwash.
What Kind of Mouthwash Should I Use?
Dr. Foust recommends opting for a mouthwash that displays the ADA Seal. Those that display the ADA Seal have been tested for safety and efficacy by an independent group of experts from the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs.
Mouthwash Techniques
Always check the manufacturer’s label for specific instructions, but generally swish the mouthwash around in your mouth for 30-60 seconds. After spitting it out, you may then opt to rinse your mouth with water or allow the residual mouthwash to remain in your mouth. If you opt for the latter, avoid eating or drinking for ten minutes. If your mouthwash contains a high content of hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, Dr. Foust may recommend rinsing your mouth with water following mouthwash use. Dr. Foust is always available for questions or concerns regarding dental hygiene. Dr. Foust states that the order in which you rinse with mouthwash, brush, and floss does not matter. She does urge to avoid using mouthwash for children under the age of six because they may drink it.
About Your Ankeny Dentist
Dental Impressions provides expert family, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry in a calming environment. Dr. Amanda Foust is a mother herself, and she understands how to put children at ease when they come into her office. Her cosmetic services include porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and cosmetic bonding. If you would like to schedule an appointment, call (515) 965-0230. Dr. Foust proudly treats families in Ankeny, Alleman, Elkhart, Bondurant, and all surrounding communities.
