Do You Use Mouthwash Before Or After Brushing?

Dentyl Mouthwash is a great supplement to your dental healthcare routine. Dentists recommend using mouthwash as well as brushing twice daily to help remove harmful bacteria in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, such as between teeth or inside minor cavities.

Mouthwash has a lot of benefits, such as:

• freshening breath
• reducing plaque
• preventing gum disease

But when should you use mouthwash? How does it fit into the routine? In this article, we will explain the best way to create a good mouthwash habit, and why you should.

How Mouthwash Works

Mouthwash effectively kills the germs and bacteria in your mouth, using antimicrobial agents. These active ingredients may include:

• Chlorhexidine, an antiseptic and disinfectant
• Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC), an antibacterial compound
• Essential Oils such as thyme and eucalyptus oils.

In Dentyl Mouthwashes, Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC) is mixed with Isopropyl Myristate (IPM), an oil derived from plants such as mango or potato, creating a unique and highly effective formula. These ingredients limit bacteria in the mouth, which prevents tooth decay, gum disease or gingivitis, and bad breath.

In addition to killing bacteria, some mouthwashes prevent tooth decay with compounds such as sodium fluoride. Fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel of the teeth and makes them more resistant to bacterial acid attacks and digestion, the cause of cavities.

When to Use Mouthwash

When you start using mouthwash as part of an oral healthcare routine, it is up to you when you use it. The scientific research is limited and inconclusive, and different, reputable organisations make different recommendations.

Dentyl Mouthwash is most effective when used up to twice a day, a short time after brushing. Dentyl Mouthwash can also help to rinse away any leftover debris and leave the mouth feeling fresh and clean, so many people choose to freshen up after meals with Dentyl Mouthwash.

Check the instructions on your bottle of Dentyl Mouthwash to understand more about how our ingredients can be put to best use.

Mouthwash as Part of a Healthy Dental Routine

While mouthwash can support the care of your teeth, it’s important to continue with other good habits.

• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and calcium to maintain strong teeth
• Avoid high-sugar food and drink to protect your teeth
• Give your teeth a break between snacks, don’t continually snack throughout the day.
• Change your toothbrush regularly to be sure you are getting the best out of it
• Visit your dentist at least every 6 months
• Brush twice a day, every day
• Use an interdental brush or floss to get between teeth.

Ultimately, the time in your routine for mouthwash comes down to personal preference. If you find that using mouthwash before brushing helps to improve your oral hygiene, then continue to do so. If you prefer to use mouthwash after brushing, or after a meal, there is no harm. The most important thing is to make sure that you are using mouthwash as a supplement to your oral care routine and not as a substitute for brushing and flossing.