subject: Mouthwash And Dental Floss [print this page] There is nothing new about waking up in the morning with breath that is less than desirable. Throughout the night, with less saliva to clean away bacteria, a host of germs have clustered to make mischief among our gums and teeth, causing our breath to become sour.
With this increase in bacteria, we have all the makings for plaque buildup and gingivitis (gum disease). Using a mouthwash after brushing our teeth helps to prevent these bacteria from attaching to our gums and teeth while freshening our breath for the day.
Most mouthwashes have germ-killing, antiseptic ingredients and come in flavors that are appealing to everyone. There are many choices for helping you maintain good oral hygiene: fluoride, which helps to harden the enamel surface of your teeth in order to fight cavities; anti-plaque formulae, which loosen plaque from the surface of your teeth; smoker's solutions, which help remove tobacco stains; and natural washes that contain no alcohol or sugar and use baking soda to remove stains.
Brush your teeth thoroughly and then floss before using a mouthwash so that the ingredients can remain in your mouth to do their work. It is best to wait at least half an hour before drinking or eating so that the mouthwash can achieve its full effect.
Pour a small amount into a cup or into the cap of your mouthwash bottle and then swish throughout your mouth. Push the rinse through your teeth, making sure it makes contact with your gums.
Do not swallow! After rinsing for 1 minute, spit out the mouthwash and give it the allotted time to do its job thoroughly.
Points to remember:
If you use a fluoride rinse, do so only once a day. Use other mouthwash formula throughout the day.
Use a natural mouthwash for children. Many commercial brands contain alcohol, which can be dangerous for children's use.
Keep your commercial brands out of reach so that your kids cannot get to them and swallow the contents.
Dental floss does far more than get tiny chunks of food out of the gaps between your teeth. Using dental floss every day will make you look better, smell better, be healthier and help you live longer.
A frightening array of debris and bacteria hides between your teeth and along your gum line. Using dental floss is the simplest and most effective way to protect yourself.
Removes Food
The most obvious benefit to using dental floss is that it removes food stuck between your teeth that a toothbrush cannot get. Those who do not floss regularly are often surprised by what floss digs out.
Food can be hiding between your teeth even though you are unaware of it. It sits there and literally rots inside your mouth.
Removes Plaque
Using dental floss removes plaque from between your teeth. When plaque builds up, it becomes tartar.
This is the unattractive, hard, crusty stuff that forms on teeth and makes them look yellow. Brushing removes plaque from the surface of teeth, but only dental floss can remove it from in between.
Prevents Gum Disease
When tartar builds up between teeth it can lead to gum disease. This is known as gingivitis.
It eventually leads to periodontitis which is deterioration of the bone holding your teeth in your mouth. Using dental floss keeps your gums healthy and helps you hold on to your teeth.
Those who floss regularly keep their teeth years longer than those who rarely floss.
Prevents Bad Breath
Rotting food that is stuck between your teeth emits a horrible smell. Tooth decay and gum disease also produce foul odors.
This is often the reason people have bad breath. Regular use of dental floss keeps your mouth healthy and smelling fresh.
Prevents Heart Disease
Using dental floss is actually good for your heart. All sorts of bacteria hide between your teeth.
This includes potentially deadly streptococcus. If bacteria are allowed to build between your teeth it can actually inflame heart muscle and cause complications for people with other heart ailments.
Prevents Diabetes
The oral bacteria that can contribute to heart disease can also aggravate diabetes. Diabetics are also likely to develop gum inflammation faster than healthy people. It is especially vital for them to use dental floss daily to prevent gum disease and worsen their diabetes.
