When considering how best to take care of your teeth on a daily basis, there are a few things to consider. Brushing and flossing are critically important, but mouthwash is a pretty underappreciated part of keeping your teeth in good condition.
If you’re wondering how much mouthwash to use, or anything else about how to use it, here’s a guide that may potentially help you.
How Much Mouthwash Is Necessary?
Typically, it’s recommended that you use about 20ml of mouthwash when you rinse. This can be tricky to eyeball, but the idea is that this is enough to coat your mouth completely but not so much that you could accidentally spit it out.
If you look closely inside the lid of your mouthwash, there’s typically a small mark that you should fill to when pouring. Depending on the brand you use, this tiny line can be pretty subtle, so it may take you a moment to find it.
Other Things to Keep In Mind When Using Mouthwash
Once you have your 20ml of mouthwash, you should swish it around in your mouth for approximately 30 seconds. This is the ideal time for the antibacterial effects to kick in completely. Swish it all over your mouth, including under your lips, while taking care not to spit it out.
It’s recommended to use mouthwash twice a day, just after brushing your teeth. This is the best way to control plaque deposits in places where you can’t reach on your own with brushing and flossing.
Can Children Use Mouthwash
Many of the most common kinds of mouthwash have a significant amount of alcohol in them. Even ones that don’t typically contain a fair amount of fluoride, which it’s a bad idea to swallow. Kids are more likely to accidentally do this than adults.
For that reason, it’s typically not a good idea for kids younger than 12 to use mouthwash. While it’s nice to have, it’s not critically necessary to maintain good oral hygiene. Your child should be just fine brushing, flossing, and seeing their dentist for regular cleanings twice a year.
About Our Practice
At Devonshire Dental of Boston, we know that keeping your smile in perfect order can be a tall order, which is why we do everything that we can to make it as easy as possible. We’re right in the heart of downtown Boston, and our location is just one of the conveniences you’ll find from our office. We’re a family-run dental office, and we’re excited at the prospect of helping you and your family get the care that you so desperately need.
If you have any questions about your daily hygiene, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (617) 350-7474.