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Should You Use Mouthwash?

Man with Mouthwash

The Answer is… Maybe!

Mouthwash, or mouth rinses, are primarily used to remove food debris after brushing and flossing. They provide a pleasant taste, freshen the breath, and (depending on the active ingredient) can also protect against plaque & bacteria, periodontal disease, and/or cavities.

So should everyone use mouthwash? Not exactly. Some people who use it will see only marginal benefits over brushing and flossing alone. Furthermore, repeated use of alcohol-based mouthwash can irritate soft tissue, damage the mucous membrane, and contribute to dry mouth (xerostomia).

Every mouth is different, so get a recommendation based on your individual needs by discussing mouthwash options with your dentist. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

Benefits of Mouthwash

  • Helps remove food debris
  • Provides temporary relief of bad breath (halitosis)
  • May prevent buildup up of plaque and inhibit the growth of bacteria
  • May prevent periodontal (gum) disease
  • Fluoridated options may prevent cavities

Side Effects

  • Provides only temporary relief from bad breath (3-4 hours)
  • Can mask the presence of periodontal disease
  • Alcohol-based rinses may irritate tissues & cause dry mouth (xerostomia)
  • Alcohol-based rinses may also cause intoxication and/or injury if swallowed

About Yuri Kaneda, DDS

Dr. Yuri Kaneda was born in Japan and immigrated to the US when she was 4 years old with her family. She lived in Ohio, Nebraska, and Illinois before finally settling in the San Diego area. A graduate of Bonita Vista High School, she went on to the University of California Berkeley where she obtained her Bachelors in Microbiology and Immunology. After working for 2 years in growth plate research at University of California San Diego, she went to the University of California San Francisco Dental School for her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Upon graduation, she returned to San Diego where she worked as an associate in the practice of Drs. Morimoto and Yaryan, her childhood dentist. She then started her own practice in 1995 and has been at her present location since 1999 which happens to be across the street from her high school!

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