How to Use Mouthwash

When your dentist in Beaver Dam, KY advises you to rinse after brushing and flossing, they are hoping you know how to use mouthwash. Using mouthwash may seem straightforward, but there are important things to keep in mind.

Don’t Drink From the Bottle

Mouthwash caps are typically large and shaped in the ideal size for one “dose.” However, you should never actually drink from the cap or from the bottle itself. Doing either of these will result in your contaminating the entire bottle with mouth bacteria. If you share a bottle of mouthwash with other members of the family, it’s even worse. Instead, keep a clean glass or mini paper cups in the bathroom for dispensing each “dose” of the mouthwash.

Keep Mouthwash Away From Kids

Children will have a hard time avoiding swallowing tasty mouthwash. Even the adult, minty varieties are tempting to swallow for kids. The best thing is to avoid buying those bright, shiny, fruity and bubble-gum flavored mouthwashes for kids, and to keep adult mouthwashes away from children. Instead, let kids simply rinse with warm water.

Finish with a Gargle

Did you know that mouth bacteria can get very far back in the throat? Gargling with mouthwash helps to remove harmful bacteria that may be lurking far back at the top of the throat. The last thing you should do before finishing up your oral hygiene routine is to gargle for 30 seconds or so and then spit into the sink.

Use Mouthwash in the Morning

When you awaken in the morning to use the toilet facilities, make a habit of rinsing quickly with mouthwash, even before you brush. This will help rid your mouth of bacteria that built up while you slept.

Visit your Beaver Dam, KY dentist for more recommendations for using various types of mouthwash and about oral hygiene in general. Contact us today to book your appointment.