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When you have overcrowded teeth and were advised to get an orthodontic procedure, it is understandable that you have so many questions in mind about how to maintain and care for your teeth and appliance. One of these questions is the correct use of dental hygiene products. Is mouthwash before or after brushing teeth really necessary for people with braces?
What you need to know about mouthwash
Is a mouthwash a necessity?
Well, yes, as simple as that. Brushing may sound like a good idea to remove the bacteria and harmful debris from our teeth and gums, but you also have hard-to-reach areas in your mouth where they can harbor and multiply. This even can lead to plaque and tartar buildup that would advance to tooth decay. Using mouthwash before and after brushing would ensure that those buildups and food particles are dislodged, completely cleaning your mouth.
Mouthwash before or after brushing teeth with braces?
Absolutely. Your teeth have tiny spaces in between as it is, so if you have braces, the metal gears and wires can also serve as additional obstacles for you to efficiently clean your teeth and gums. Using mouthwash complements the function of brushing, with or without braces.
Using floss or mouthwash before or after brushing teeth: Which is better?
Well, the answer to this question would depend on what mouthwash you are using. There are essentially two types of mouth rinses; the cosmetic and the medicated mouthwashes. A cosmetic mouthwash’s only function is to eliminate bad breath. Yes, you may dislodge some food stuck in between your teeth while swishing the liquid back and forth your mouth, but its main purpose is to give you fresh breath. Medicated or therapeutic mouth rinses, on the other hand, wash, remove plaque, and prevents it from building up. Not only that, but it can also help prevent cavities and gingivitis because of the different antibacterial and germicidal contents (like chlorhexidine gluconate) that reduce the bacteria in the mouth.
Floss works the same way as a therapeutic mouthwash. It literally removes the stuck food particles in between teeth. The only advantage that we can think of when using mouthwash over floss is the antibacterial properties of rinses. Other than that, you can use either of the two, but if you want, use both for added protection.
Are water picks better than mouthwash?
Water picks are the newest addition to the dental hygiene products that you can use. Oral irrigators also work like flosses but use pressurized water to dislodge them. It is an efficient way to get food out of hard to reach spaces. Not only that but you can combine using the mouthwash and the water picks for extra benefits. Put mouthwash in your water pick to get two things done at once.
Just to be clear, you can choose between a water pick or mouthwash. Each would not necessarily be better than the other. They are only presented as different options that would depend on how suitable each would be for your daily consumption.
Best way to use mouthwash before or after brushing teeth
The title may make using mouthwash sound like a complicated thing to do. But the truth is, when it comes to actually using mouth rinses, things are pretty simple. You can either swish before you brush and floss or after. It doesn’t matter when as long as you remember to do it. It won’t take much time out of your day, only swish for around 30-60 seconds. It may take a few weeks to see results but it will be worth it when you go to your next dental appointment. If you’re experiencing halitosis, you can check out this post about the best mouthwash for bad breath for more information.
