Will Using a Mouthwash Affect My Teeth While I’m In Braces?

WomanMouthwash

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, a question we often hear is “Should I use a mouthwash?” or “Will using a mouthwash affect my teeth while I’m in braces?” 

The answer actually depends on what result you are wanting to achieve. Although mouthwashes contain common inactive ingredients like water, cleansing and coloring agents, and flavoring ingredients, they tend to differ in their active ingredients.

People use mouthwash to:
• freshen breath
• help prevent tooth decay
• reduce the amount of plaque buildup
• prevent or reduce gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease).

The 3 main categories of mouthwashes are:
• Antibacterial mouthwashes
• Fluoride mouthwashes
• Odor (or bad breath) neutralizers

Antibacterial mouthwashes
These mouthwashes work directly on the oral bacteria to help reduce the amount of plaque, decrease the severity of gingivitis and control bad breath. They can help reduce plaque, gingivitis, cavities and bad breath all at the same time. They combat the bacteria present in plaque that creates toxins that can damage the gums and cause dental decay.

Fluoride mouthwashes
These mouthwashes help to reduce tooth decay by making teeth more resistant to decay. They contain fluoride which helps to strengthen the enamel on the teeth, making them more resistant to the acids produced by the bacteria in our mouths. This may be recommended when during orthodontic treatment, since braces do trap a lot of plaque and food which, if not removed, can lead to dental decay.
Fluoride mouthwashes are a good option to use when you’re in braces as it does give you that added protection.

Odor neutralizing mouthwashes
Odor neutralizing mouthwashes act by chemically deactivating odor-causing compounds. They may temporarily control or reduce bad breath and leave the mouth with a pleasant taste. But they don’t address the causes of bad breath. They don’t kill the bacteria that cause bad breath in the first place nor do they help to reduce plaque, gingivitis or cavities.

Alcohol in Mouthwashes
The one concern with mouthwashes is if you choose an mouthwash containing alcohol is that they do cause dryness of the mouth. This is a problem for those who suffer from dry mouth syndrome as it aggravates the condition. If you suffer from dry mouth syndrome, when purchasing a mouthwash, consider choosing the alcohol-free version.

Which mouthwash is right for you and your family? Not everyone needs a mouthwash, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask us the next time you’re in for an appointment at our Sioux Falls, SD office. Just remember, even though it can be a part of your daily oral hygiene routine, using a mouthwash is NOT a substitute for brushing or flossing.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.