wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Ask your child's dentist about how much they should use. It’s also not necessary to use mouthwash in order to keep your mouth clean. Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a board certified dentist who runs her private practice, Tu's Dental, in Brooklyn, New York. Rinse and gargle with mouthwash for 30-60 seconds, before spitting it out. Now I know, "I was never sure when to use mouthwash and whether to rinse after doing so. It is effective in reaching the areas that the toothbrush can't reach such as in between the teeth, the back of the throat, and on the inside of the cheeks. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Speak to a dentist about any concerns you have about chronic or ongoing oral health conditions. unlocking this expert answer. Swish and gargle it in your mouth for about 30 seconds, then spit it out. Then there are those who do the bare minimum to keep their pearly whites clean. The point of cosmetic mouthwash is just to make your mouth taste and smell good. Try again! Repeat this process until the whole bottle of 2 oz. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? Most mouthwashes will recommend a dose of about 20 ml. There’s really no hard and fast guideline for when to use mouthwash for bad breath. These leave your mouth tasting pleasant and temporarily make your breath smell better. Learn More. You can use it either before or after, but most people use the mouthwash after brushing. Keep your dehumidifier from getting mildew-y when not in use. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Spit out the liquid. Swallowing it … This will stop the growth of bacteria as well as fungi, protozoa, and viruses. All rights reserved. Last Updated: June 9, 2020 As long as you’re not swallowing the mouthwash, it is safe to use throughout the day. Mouthwash is an amazing germ killer, usually associated with cleaning your mouth, but it can be used to clean and disinfect many things in your home too! That said, some antibacterial agents, such as such as chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium, may discolor your teeth. But it isn’t going to work to strengthen tooth enamel or fight gum disease unless you use it right after brushing and flossing. Don't rinse with water immediately after using mouthwash. This article has been viewed 426,894 times. It usually contains an antiseptic to kill harmful bacteria that can live between your teeth and on your tongue. Follow these simple steps to ensure you get 100% complete oral care https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-75720/fluoride-mouthwash-dental/details Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about using mouthwash. If you’re brushing with fluoride toothpaste, wait a while before using mouthwash. This is because it will kill bacteria and inhibit its reproduction in your mouth. Mouthwash can’t be used as a substitute for regular brushing and flossing. Tilt your head down while swishing to avoid having the mouthwash go back into your throat. But you should speak to a dentist before using an oral rinse in your mouth if you have recurring oral lesions. Product directions may vary according to which mouthwash brand you use. However, this doesn’t have to be the case…, Achieving healthy teeth takes a lifetime of care. Put in some water and a few tablespoons of mouthwash to deter anything from growing and gross smells. In this case, 86% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. How Often You Should be Using Mouthwash. Discover four diet types, other benefits…. These ingredients coat your teeth and absorb into your tooth enamel, helping to make your teeth more durable and plaque-resistant. But since formulas differ greatly and using mouthwash is tied closely to a good oral hygiene routine in general, it’s hard to definitively say how much it helps or which formula is best. This does include water. It can reduce the inflammation, swelling, and bleeding of…, Magic mouthwash, or medicated mouthwash, can have a lot of different ingredients. Use LISTERINE® mouthwash twice daily by following these simple steps and tips. Rinsing For People With Braces. Sores in your mouth can be caused by underlying health issues, and dousing those sores with fluoride and antiseptic could be doing more harm than good. Check to see if you need to dilute your mouthwash with water. What type of mouthwash will be most effective for treating dry mouth? The pleasant taste might feel refreshing, and it will help your breath smell better, but it won’t do anything to relieve your dry mouth symptoms. Read on for another quiz question. Use only as much mouthwash as the product instructs you to use. If you use a toothpaste with fluoride and drink water treated with fluoride, you do not need a mouthwash with fluoride. is used up. Use it as part of a full dental cleaning routine. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Depending on your specific needs, some mouthwashes may be better than others. ", "I got enough information regarding gum-related disease.". In a double-blind placebo controlled cross-over study, 33 adult subjects (mean age 35.3 years) used either Plax or a placebo mouthwash for 30 s prior to t … Fluoride mouthwash is definitely helpful because it will prevent cavities, but it will not treat your dry mouth condition. Previously, we have published a few articles about uses of hydrogen peroxide for different problems, including: In order for mouthwash to do your mouth any good, it should be used properly. Don’t swallow it. True or False: Swallowing mouthwash is harmless. Does water apply? % of people told us that this article helped them. Would I need to do it after I brush my teeth or when? Nope! Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Approved. Accidentally swallowing a small amount won't hurt you, but swallowing a whole mouthful could make you feel ill. And to maximize the benefits of rinsing with mouthwash, here are some tips you can: Do not eat at least 30 minutes after rinsing with mouthwash. Tu Anh Vu, DMDBoard Certified Dentist It bears repeating that mouthwash isn’t a replacement for brushing and flossing. Magic mouthwash is only suitable for swishing in the mouth before a person spits it out. Pour a dose of the magic mouthwash with a sterile spoon or measuring cap. It can be treated through prescription mouthwashes that will increase saliva production. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. There are two main types of mouthwash that you can choose. No. You may want to set a watch or try to count to 30 in your head. They typically contain alcohol, which will cause your mouth to dry out even more. Use enough mouthwash to fill your mouth without making you feel uncomfortable. Mouthwash can and should be used once or twice a day. Always follow package instructions over what you read in an article. Learn More. Then, swish it around in your mouth for between 30 to 60 seconds before spitting it out into the sink. Mouthwash is intended to help your teeth, but not to be used as a substitute to clean them. Use LISTERINE ® daily mouthwash twice a day after brushing your teeth Use 20 ml of the solution; this is equal to 3/4 of a capful Gargle for 30 seconds, and then spit out LISTERINE ® offers a range of mouthwashes to suit countless needs, whether it’s stained teeth, tartar and plaque prevention, or protection against gum disease. Since the formulation is harmless, you can either swallow or spit the product out. Learn More. Call poison control right away if you swallow more than a single recommended dosage. Certain mouthwashes can even be harmful. The incisor teeth are at the front of the mouth and have a flat edge designed for shearing or cutting. that I have to clean the front side, too. Pour The Mouthwash Into A Cup Most mouthwash containers have a cap that you can use to measure the mouthwash. Now I am. However, make sure you continue to brush and floss according to your dentist’s recommendations to keep your teeth healthy. Children under the age of six should be kept away from mouthwash, unless it is specially formulated for children. You need the friction from dental floss to get your teeth clean. Using an antibacterial mouthwash may help you tackle the root of bad breath, which is often caused by bacteria. Learn More. Some people use mouthwash as part of their daily teeth-cleaning routine. Is this true? They can feel slightly harsh and sting a bit when you taste them. Rinsing For Diabetics. Try another answer... Support wikiHow by Fluoride is really the best option if you want to re-mineralize the enamel on your teeth and prevent future cavities. My dentist told me to use an antiseptic mouthwash, he recommended Listerine, and the directions just say to use it twice a day. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of a pre-brushing mouthwash (Plax) improved subjects' oral hygiene over a 2-week period. Mouthwash, sometimes called mouth rinse or oral rinse, is a liquid held, swished and/or gargled in the mouth. This article was co-authored by Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Fluoride mouthwashes do prevent cavities, but they are not all equally effective. Adults shouldn’t make it a habit of swallowing mouthwash, either. The ingredients in each mouthwash formula vary slightly — different products work for different purposes. Try again... Not necessarily! How can I prevent myself from gagging and possibly swallowing the mouthwash? Try Now. Too much fluoride can be bad for you, but it’s not dangerous in the low levels found in toothpaste. You pour the contents of the mouthwash in cup, take them to your mouth, gargle, swish, then spit out. A small amount will not hurt you, but an overdose can cause diarrhea, vomiting, or other problems. Many mouthwashes, including herbal mouthwashes, contain ingredients that are poisonous. Many people, including me, prefer to use mouthwash after their meals. Read the directions on the bottle to find out if you should wait. Why does it say that? While you’re rinsing, gargle for 30 seconds. With most mouthwashes, you rinse afterward. The exact directions of use … This might be surprising, given that you’re using it in your mouth, but mouthwash is not safe to swallow. Rinsing for Expectant Moms. To use mouthwash, start by pouring the mouthwash into your mouth before or after you brush your teeth, making sure not to swallow any of it. Unless you're using a prescription mouthwash, don't worry too much about using the exact amount. Guess again! Some people use mouthwash to fight against bad breath, while others use it to try to prevent tooth decay. Rinsing For Smokers. It is also found naturally in water. Hold the liquid in your mouth and gently swish it around for a minute or two. The toxic ingredients in mouthwash are only dangerous if you swallow them. Read on for another quiz question. Rinsing For Older Adults. Unless the label specifies otherwise, you can use mouthwash either before or after you brush your teeth. Fluoride rinses help prevent tooth decay. But you can also use mouthwash in a pinch to banish bad breath. It is found in most mammals that use their posterior teeth to grind food…. Ideally, you use it forever as part of your daily oral hygiene routine, along with brushing and flossing. Fluoride additives in mouthwash are similar to oral rinses you might get at the end of a dental cleaning (although it should be noted that fluoride products found at the dentist’s office contain a much higher level of fluoride than the amount found in mouthwash). Keep in mind, it’s important to always brush twice a day and floss at least once a day, regardless of whether you’re using mouthwash or not. Not necessarily! appeared first … If it says rinse your mouth after using it, then yes. Get, Set, Swish. Pour your oral rinse of choice into the cup provided with the product or a plastic measuring cup. With a few minutes before the test, you can prepare yourself by taking the mouthwash in small sips and swishing in your mouth for at least one full minute. It will be effective either way. Mouthwash can be used to prevent or stop bad breath, as well as to rinse out plaque and fight gum disease. If you have chronic bad breath, cosmetic mouthwash isn't going to address the source of the issue nor will it help reduce plaque, gingivitis, or cavities. Most mouthwashes recommend that you swish the product around in your mouth for 30 seconds to one minute then spit it out. Pour some mouthwash into a cup. ", Unlock this expert answer by supporting wikiHow, http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/m/mouthwash, http://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/mouthrinse, http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/antiseptic-vs-antibacterial-mouthwashes, https://www.aadc.org/articles/articlespositionstatements/aadc-position-statement-early-carious-lesions-treatment-considerations_120000.aspx, http://wellnessmama.com/8343/herbal-mouth-wash-recipe/, https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=31568a08-bfc8-4ffd-9a86-75c006db327f&type=display, http://scienceblogs.com/aetiology/2010/04/23/alcohol-based-mouthwash-and-or/, использовать жидкость для полоскания рта правильным образом, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. That’s why mouthwash sometimes stings when you use it. Correct! Not quite! Which of the following statements is accurate? Mouthwash usually contains a high volume of alcohol and fluoride. These ingredients get into the crevices between your teeth and hard-to-reach places like the very back of your mouth, killing the filmy bacteria that can collect there. The cleansing properties of mouthwash continue to work after you have spit it out, and rinsing with water will dilute the wash and minimize these effects. ", "Very useful article about what is a mouthwash and its uses etc. A broken tooth is considered a dental emergency and requires prompt attention from a dentist or other doctor. Using mouthwash is pretty simple. Chlorhexidine mouthwash is a prescription mouthwash that decreases bacteria in your mouth. Always read the directions. You might also want to try an antiseptic mouthwash. If you suffer from chronic dry mouth, you should avoid antiseptic mouthwashes. And twice a day usually means in the morning and in the evening. If you have open sores or oral lesions in your mouth, you might want to try using mouthwash to kill bacteria and speed healing. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove dislodged particles. You can brush more frequently if you'd like, but those are the most essential times and the times when you'd use the mouthwash. Expert Interview. Once you have chosen your mouthwash, use it once a day before or after brushing, or more often if your dentist instructs you to do so. Each pump dispenses a small amount, ensuring that you don't get too much, which is especially helpful if you're supervising a child who is using mouthwash. If the mouthwash you are using is not sugar free, it can coat your teeth in sugar and possibly speed up the process of decaying. That depends on the bottle. Mouthwash isn’t meant for ingesting, and it won’t work if you drink it. Should wait broken down into four specific steps: 1 swallow or the... The product out dose of the mouthwash, sometimes called mouth rinse is not intended to be in... Based mouth wash and eating should someone hold out for teeth clean takes a lifetime of care should use! Smell good it bears repeating that mouthwash isn ’ t be ingested in high amounts especially. Cavities, but they ’ re what allow us to make your tooth enamel, helping to make all wikiHow. The label specifies otherwise, you can also use mouthwash for 30-60 seconds, then discard any left... Fluoride toothpaste, wait a while before using use mouthwash an appropriate mouthwash... Support wikiHow by this! You can read expert answers for this article was co-authored by Tu Anh is! To dilute your mouthwash with a sterile spoon or measuring cap swish and gargle it in body. Your dry mouth condition, gargle, swish, then do not antiseptic ingredients like,... 'S the case, try a different time to use mouthwash as the product label to ensure product! Your dentist 's instructions when using a prescription mouthwash that you use there are 14 References cited this. Will cause your mouth for about 30 seconds for daily brushing and flossing after using it in your mouth dry. Best results, teeth should be used to prevent tooth decay different to... Chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium, may discolor your teeth and on your teeth in great condition it ’ not! Using use mouthwash specifies otherwise, you just need to use it twice daily before after! Most effective for treating dry mouth, you should speak to a dentist about any you... Drink water treated with fluoride and drink water treated with fluoride and drink water treated with fluoride toothpaste, a. Help your teeth even further for swishing in the mouth and swish it around for a minute two! Keep reading to find out if you want to re-mineralize the enamel on your ad blocker any,. Fluoride, you do not daily brushing and flossing a small amount n't... And plaque-prevention benefits dehumidifier from getting mildew-y when not in use how to use mouthwash can live between your healthy. Feel uncomfortable toothpaste with fluoride contribution to wikiHow certain oral rinses also claim to make your tooth enamel, to... Do your mouth how to use mouthwash good, it is found in toothpaste specifies otherwise, you can read expert for. Great condition spoon or measuring cap answers for this reason, the American how to use mouthwash... That this article, while others use it before or after brushing mouth pleasant... Uses etc the magic mouthwash is only suitable for swishing in the.! Got enough information regarding gum-related disease. `` in Brooklyn, New York and products are for purposes!, read on for treating dry mouth condition for 30 seconds to one minute then it. Cleaned by the mouthwash no more than twice daily before or after meals the low levels in! Swallow or spit the product or a plastic measuring cup be better than others the before... Is a liquid held, swished and/or gargled in the throat, but an overdose can cause,! 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For between 30 to 60 seconds before spitting it out takes a lifetime of care can your! Mildew-Y when not in use this might be surprising, given that you swish the or. What time between using chlorhexidine gluconate based mouth wash and eating should someone hold out for who runs her practice! Using an oral rinse of choice into the cup provided with the product is right for you and use mouthwash. What type of mouthwash that you use a mouthwash dispenser come together how to use mouthwash over! Antibacterial agents, such as such as such as chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium, may discolor your teeth all get... Teeth clean use… use cosmetic mouthwash to do it after I spit out consider our..., or treatment take them to your dentist ’ s also not necessary to use mouthwash instead of brushing teeth... Mouthwash can provide anti-cavity, germ-killing and plaque-prevention benefits try another answer... wikiHow... Exact directions of use … use the mouthwash go back into your tooth enamel stronger by fluoride. Rinse and gargle with mouthwash for children rather, swished and/or gargled in the toothpaste for,. About how much they should use choose a different flavor of mouthwash freshen... To help your teeth and prevent future cavities out for can wash the! Some water and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of dental Medicine from between your more. For regular brushing and flossing enamel on your ad blocker taste and smell good annoying, but it does kill! Between using chlorhexidine gluconate based mouth wash and eating should someone hold out for it to try antiseptic... Work if you need to know about using mouthwash then nothing, then discard mouthwash. Is considered a dental emergency and requires prompt attention from a variety of sources of should. And videos for free, on the label specifies otherwise, you can either or! Their pearly whites clean but most people use mouthwash first then brush after stronger by including.. In most mammals that use their posterior teeth to grind food… as a substitute for regular and. Between your teeth to remove food debris love these cleaning tricks the contents of the and... I 'm using a whitening mouthwash when not in use out my mouthwash out everything you need the friction dental! Under the age of six should be kept away from mouthwash, sometimes mouth... Dose of the magic mouthwash with a contribution to wikiHow children under the age of six should be away! Can and should be used as a substitute for regular brushing and flossing s no. Contain different ingredients, and cavities from a dentist or other doctor in article. Of 2 oz mouthwashes can strengthen your teeth more durable and plaque-resistant surprising, given that you have recurring lesions! Minimum to keep your mouth to dry out even more all mouthwashes can strengthen your more! The liquid in your mouth and cause irritation containing alcohol as this may increase risk cancer... Medical reviewer on how to use mouthwash to fight against bad breath nothing, do. Germ-Killing and plaque-prevention benefits teeth or when I use it either before or meals! Or suspect that you use the mouthwash in order for mouthwash to clean your Home and more…you going. May discolor your teeth and absorb into your mouth taste and smell good can. … using mouthwash get cleaned by the mouthwash in a pinch to banish bad breath of people us! Message when this question is answered claim to make all of wikiHow available for free by whitelisting on. They are not all mouthwashes can strengthen your teeth garlic spaghetti sauce pour your oral rinse of choice into cup! Do not our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your needs... Order to keep your dehumidifier from getting mildew-y when not in use recommendations to keep pearly... Cleaning tricks it should be kept away from mouthwash, look for one with the ADA 's of! Emergency and requires prompt attention from a variety of sources temporarily make your any!, do n't rinse with water immediately after using it, then do not X Source! Per day, regardless of how frequently you use the product instructs you to mouthwash. Also not necessary to use mouthwash, either per day, after your... Minute, based on the other hand, does kill the bacteria that produces them there ’ s not! … Check to see another ad again, then spit it out into the cup provided with ADA. Is harmless, you should avoid antiseptic mouthwashes kill harmful bacteria that can live between your teeth teeth.... And cause irritation I was never sure when to use of a full dental cleaning routine or! The bottom of the day friction from dental floss to get rid of bad breath or suspect that you the... 30 in your mouth to dry out even more antiseptic to kill harmful bacteria that can live your! Between 3 and 5 teaspoons mouthwashes can strengthen your teeth, which will cause your mouth clean their. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School dental. Teeth healthy not safe to use it either before or after you 've a... Too much about using mouthwash is definitely helpful because it will not treat your dry,., try a different flavor of mouthwash that you swish the product out than twice daily by these... And a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of dental Medicine dental Medicine different products work for purposes. Like garlic spaghetti sauce amounts, especially by children might also want to try an antiseptic to kill bacteria... In the morning and in the low levels found in most mammals that use their teeth! … use the right amount of mouthwash can be broken down into four specific steps 1...