Mouthwash 101

Mouthwash has been around since the beginning of the Roman empire thousands of years ago. Today, many people include mouthwash in their dental routine to feel fresh and clean. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Suzanne Haeri is passionate about oral health, including the importance of mouthwash. Here’s everything you need to know about mouthwash.

Mouthwash Can’t Cure Bad Breath

Halitosis or bad breath refers to the condition where bacteria grow in your body or mouth, resulting in stinky breath. While mouthwash does transform your breath into a minty fresh, it only masks the smelly odor temporarily. Bad breath is typically an underlying symptom of many health problems such as poor hygiene, gum disease, infection, or chronic illnesses. 

Mouthwash Doesn’t Replace Brushing or Flossing

Contrary to popular belief, rinsing your mouth with mouthwash doesn’t mean ditching the toothbrush or floss. Mouthwash is an addition to your dental routine. Not everyone uses mouthwash, but everyone should be brushing and flossing their teeth regularly for good oral health. 

Mouthwash Has Different Types

Mouthwash comes in two varieties: cosmetic and therapeutic. Cosmetic mouthwashes come in several different flavors and nice scents for the temporary benefit of masking bad breath. For patients with gingivitis or dry mouth,  Dr. Haeri of Los Angeles, CA prescribes therapeutic mouthwash. Therapeutic mouthwash can only be bought with a dentist’s prescription, so contact our office today for an appointment. 

Mouthwash Is Not for Children

Fluoride is a common ingredient in mouthwash. But increased fluoride exposure leads to fluorosis, a condition that affects teeth while they’re developing permanent molars. Another reason why it’s not advised for children under six years to use mouthwash is the potential to swallow the product.

To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.