Can Mouthwashes Eliminate Plaque?
By Robert Rutner | Published on December 7, 2010 | 0 Comments
Using mouthwash can be a great way to get fresh breath, but Dr. Robert Rutner would never recommend that patients use mouthwash as a way of getting rid of plaque and tartar buildup. A cosmetic dentist in Mountain View, CA, Dr. Rutner says that most mouthwashes have limited value in terms of how much they can really improve one’s oral health.
Almost all mouth rinses do a good job of making people’s breath smell better for short periods of time, says Dr. Rutner. But beyond that, he cautions people against believing many of the claims spouted on television commercials and in magazine advertisements. In terms of oral health and hygiene, Dr. Rutner insists that very few mouthwashes have the ingredients necessary to provide any real benefits.
Of course, there are some anti-plaque mouth rinses that claim to help reduce tartar, and those rinses do deliver on that promise to a degree. The catch, according to Dr. Rutner, is that anti-plaque mouth rinses can only reduce the tartar that is above the gum line, and even that is only to a minimal extent. Additionally, tartar that sits above the gum line really does not have any long-term effects on the quality of a person’s oral health.
Dr. Rutner explains that anti-plaque mouthwashes that claim to reduce tartar are only doing so in an area where it does not cause any real harm to begin with. A person’s overall gum health is determined by what is underneath the gums, and none of the mouth rinses currently on the market are able to address tartar buildup underneath the gums.
If someone plans to use a mouth rinse as a way to improve his oral health, then Dr. Rutner recommends thinking again. Dr. Rutner can confidently say that anti-plaque mouth rinses will only offer a benefit to patients if they are used in conjunction with proper brushing and flossing, and regular checkups with a dentist or hygienist every six months. Dr. Rutner has worked with patients who decided that they did not want to floss and told him that they were going to rinse with mouthwashes daily instead. This approach, however, does not work, and anyone who tries this method of oral hygiene will likely face an increased risk of cavities or decay.
Dr. Rutner knows the best way for people of all ages to keep their teeth clean and healthy. First, people need to get their teeth cleaned professionally every six months. In between appointments, patients should be flossing once a day without fail and brushing their teeth between two and three times each day. In fact, patients who visit the dentist regularly and maintain good oral hygiene habits do not need to spend money on anti-plaque mouthwashes in order to keep their smiles looking healthy and white.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.