Do You Need to Use Mouthwash?

We preach the benefits of good dental habits here at Tisseront Orthodontics. Forming these habits when we’re young will help carry us into our adulthoods. Additionally, orthodontic appliances can add a layer of complexity to your oral routine, giving plaque and bacteria extra places to stick inside your mouth. Our patients often ask what they can do to combat this, and if you need mouthwash. 

Short Answer: No, but it can help.

Research has shown that including mouthwash in your dental routine has benefits such as strengthening teeth and preventing plaque. The keyword here is “included”, because mouthwash cannot and should not be a replacement for thorough brushing and flossing on a daily basis. 

One of the key ways mouthwash can improve your dental routine is how it can get to those hard to reach spots. We recommend our patients introduce a mouthwash into their regimens if they don’t already use one for this reason. Whether you have traditional metal braces or opt for Invisalign trays, all orthodontic appliances can present challenges in reaching every nook in your mouth. 

What Kind of Mouthwash Should You Use?

Not all mouthwash is created equal. Depending on the formula, one mouthwash could help reduce sensitivity where another could contain fluoride additives making it closely mimic the oral rinses you receive at the dentist. 

Unless there’s a specific dental issue you or your dentist want to focus on, we recommend our orthodontic patients choose one of the standard, fluoride rinses. Incorporating a mouthwash into your dental routine to promote general oral health and reduce the opportunity for plaque to develop is a wise habit for anyone undergoing orthodontic treatment.