Sherman Oaks Dental

Dr. Bryan Weyneth

1100 N. Sherman Ave., Suite 103
Naperville, IL 60563

Does Alcohol In Mouthwash Prevent Gum Disease?

The Lure Of Mouthwash

If you are like most people, you probably have your dental care regimen down pat. After brushing for the recommended two minutes and being careful about applying too much pressure, you might carefully navigate wax-covered floss through all of those tiny crevices. To polish your smile and to freshen your breath, you might end with minty mouthwash. After all, who doesn’t want to have a perfectly kissable pout seconds after they finish brushing their teeth? Unfortunately, some mouthwashes are more beneficial than others. However, before we get into the nitty-gritty details about all of your mouthwash options, you need to understand the importance of your spit.

The Role of Saliva

Believe it or not, saliva does a lot more than help you to moisten and swallow your food. In addition to making it possible to ingest those dry crackers, spit also helps to wash food particles away from your teeth and tongue. If you suffer from various medical conditions or take certain medications, those food particles can stay put where they can stink up your mouth. Saliva can also help your gums to stay hydrated and healthy, so they can continue to frame your smile and hold your teeth in place.

In fact, saliva even fights the oral bacteria present in your mouth to fend off decay. As oral bacteria feed off of food particles and multiply, they can release harmful acids that can slowly erode away the enamel of your teeth. When this bacteria makes its way into your tooth, it can burrow out a little crevice, also known as a cavity. If this decay is left unchecked, it can even develop into a full-fledged infection. However, saliva contains elements that can neutralize the acids that bacteria can cause, mitigating the damage.

Why You Should Avoid Alcohol-Based Mouthwashes

Some mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can dry out your mouth. Although most people assume that this alcohol cuts through bacteria and destroys germs in a hurry, it is nearly impossible for a few simple swishes to obliterate all of the bacteria that your mouth contains. Those rogue pathogens left behind have the opportunity to enjoy an arid, spit-free zone where they can set up shop and destroy your teeth and gums.

To prevent gum disease and advanced stages of tooth decay, it is a good idea to shop around for an alcohol free mouthwash. If you have questions about which mouthwash is right for you, ask Dr. Weyneth, one of the best dentists in Naperville, for a recommendation. Call our office to set up an appointment today!

Posted in Dental Health

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