Recent advertising claims that using some mouthwashes is as good as flossing for your teeth. Here's what the ADA says:
While some study results indicate the use of a mouth rinse can be as effective as flossing for reducing plaque between the teeth, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing twice a day and cleaning between the teeth with floss or interdental cleaners once each day to remove plaque from all tooth surfaces. Plaque is responsible for both tooth decay and gum disease.
Regarding the studies, the authors concluded that in patients with mild to moderate gingivitis (early gum disease), rinsing twice a day with the antiseptic mouth rinse was as effective as flossing for reducing plaque and gingivitis between the teeth. The studies did not examine whether the mouth rinse had the same effect as floss on reducing tooth decay or periodontitis (advanced gum disease).
If you don't floss, you should use mouthwash since it has some of the same benefits.
If you do floss, the added benefits (for your teeth) are probably negligible.
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Related Questions
How do you get a whiter teeth?
Brush, floss, and use mouthwash regularly. You can also try whitening products.
How do you give a good oral?
toothbrush, floss and mouthwash
How do you clean teeth properly?
Clean at the base of each tooth, use floss and once a day use a mouthwash of sorts.
Dose the tooth fairy eat tooth paste and mouthwash?
'Cause they do, then they floss their teeth and that's how we get fairy floss.
Is it good for your gums to bleed when you clean your teeth?
No. It means that your gums are unhealthy; you need to clean them more often, and to use mouthwash and floss if you don't already. --- When your gums bleed or are inflamed (look a little puffy or red) that is a sign of periodontal disease, such as gingivitis. To combat this, be sure to brush your teeth regularly, and use floss and mouthwash to assist in getting rid of the plaque that causes it. Another suggestion is to use water irrigation, which can go under the gumline better than a toothbrush or floss to get rid of food particles that were missed.
What is the most important way to prevent dental disease?
brush your teeth! brush your teeth! and floss! dont forget to floss! and rinse with mouthwash! dont forget the mouthwash! and how about that toothpaste! make sure you brush after EVERY MEAL!
Is it best to brush teeth before using mouthwash?
Mouthwash is not a substitute for tooth brushing. Everyone should brush his or her teeth at least twice daily, and floss once daily. This is the minimum frequency necessary to prevent plaque build-up, and the cavities that can result. Mouthwash is used, not to prevent cavities, but to prevent bad breath. Since you're going to brush and floss, and you want to use mouthwash, it makes more sense to use the mouthwash after brushing and flossing, rather than before, since brushing and flossing stirs up bacteria and other malodorous debris.
If you have signs of cavities like crevices but not softening can you keep the cavity from forming?
Yes, floss, brush and use mouthwash twice a day and it can prevent the cavity from forming.
How do you fix rotten teeth?
go to the dentist and if you can't afford that, get some floss, a toothbrush and some mouthwash.
If you brush your teeth in the morning and mouthwash at night will that wear out your enamel?
No, it is normal to brush your teeth twice a day then floss, followed by rinsing your mouth with mouthwash. It will not cause wear on the enamel.
What can you do to stop plaque?
By brushing your teeth with Colgate toothpaste every morning and night and use mouthwash every morning and night and floss very well between your teeth.
How do you make your breath smell good?
Brush your teeth with a mint toothpaste twice a day and carry mints around. Use mintyish gum 24/7 and remember to floss and use mouthwash. :)
Should mouthwash be used as a gargle?
It can ,but you still need to use a real gargle.
How long would it take yellow teeth to turn white if you brush two times a day and use mouthwash?
From experience, if you cant afford bleaching kits then brush, floss, and mouthwash you mouth in the morning and at night until you are pleased with the color. This will take about two weeks to be pearly white!
How do you clean porcelain crowns?
Porcelain crowns should be cleaned just like your natural teeth: with toothbrush and toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash.
Can using mouthwash give a positive test for alcohol is just used for rinsing?
only if the mouthwash had alcohol in it and you need to use it just minutes before the test.
What to do before getting your teeth cleaned?
Brush your teeth very good in a circular motion, and most of all, floss. Floss your tongue too. Don't forget there are hidden teeth all the way in the back near your jaw. Those little guys need attention also....if not the most. Use mouthwash when you're done. It makes the process more easier for you and the Dental Hygienist when you do those things.
Can mouthwash really kill lice?
Yes use mouthwash with alcohol in it.
How can you keep your teeth clean?
Most importantly, floss your teeth twice daily. Brush with a good toothbrush and use a good mouthwash. Have your teeth cleaned annually by a dental hygienist.Note: I am over 60, I have to a great extent flossed on a regular basis and brushed. I still have my original teeth, no full or partial dentures, no bridges and no root canals. Few cavities. Wow! You can do it too. Make it a habit.Brush at least twice a day. use a good mouthwash. Floss regularly. Consult your dentist if you have any problems.
What ingredients do you use for making fairy floss?
how do u make fairy floss
Do plackers floss picks work as well as regular floss?
yes it does :) i use it to
Do you need to floss everyday?
You don't have to floss if you don't want to but if you do your teeth would be awesome.
Do you need to use mouth wash?
It is not required to use mouthwash, but many dentists recommend it as it will keep your mouth very clean.
What is the best way to prevent dental caries?
The best way to prevent dental caries by just taking care of your teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss and use mouthwash regularly especially after eating.
Do you need to floss your pet's teeth?
No
