6 tips to make your mouthwash more effective

Thankfully dental health and good oral hygiene has evolved considerably over the last century.  Before the 20th century dentists were unable to do much more than pull teeth that had become infected.  Technology has improved the ability to have good oral hygiene.  While dentistry itself has developed in its techniques and ability to save teeth also the consumer literally has almost a limitless number and kind of products to choose from in caring for their own teeth.  Grocery and drug stores now stock a huge number of toothbrushes and toothpaste.  In addition there is floss of different varieties and flavors.  Along with all this there is mouthwash in an array of strengths and flavors.  The consumer literally has an arsenal to choose from in products that are most suited to their taste and needs.  After choosing toothbrush, toothpaste and floss many people still want to choose a mouthwash to complete their oral hygiene routine.  Yet many consumers report they are confused by the the number of kinds of mouthwash, how to use mouthwash and how to make it effective.  The first step is to understand why a patient should use mouthwash.

Many people find they have the proverbial "morning breathe".  This is because while you sleep, less of your cleansing saliva flows.  So as a result the bacteria in the mouth (the ones that form plaque and cause gingivitis also known as gum disease) start working like crazy.  So this proliferation of bacteria in the mouth is the reason most people wake up with the yucky smelling breath.  Mouthwashes contain active ingredients that kill bacteria and prevent them from attaching to your teeth. And a result they not only promote better oral health but a much nicer appearance complete with sweet smelling breath.  Most mouthwash brands are marketed as being an antiseptic.  That is just a way of saying they kill germs.  Research is still skeptical about how much of this is true but there is no denying that mouthwash can serve as a tool in helping promote better oral health and certainly better breath. Here are some tips in helping your mouthwash be more effective-

1.    Choose a flavor you like.  It won't do you any good if the mouthwash just remains in the bottle in the medicine cabinet.  Ignore the marketing of any specific flavor of mouthwash and try a few until you find the flavor you like.  It goes without saying that if you like the flavor of the mouthwash you are more apt to use it regularly.  The flavors of mouthwash today run the gamut from mint to cinnamon and even bubble gum.
2.    Don't eat or brush for at least 30 minutes after using mouthwash.  This allows the chemicals in the mouthwash to kill bacteria and work on the freshening your breath.  Even teeth brushing may remove the chemicals from your mouth making them less effective.
3.    You must swish or gargle with the mouthwash for at least 30 seconds.  This gives the mouthwash time to coat all the surfaces of your mouth.  Be sure and spit the mouthwash out after.  Don't swallow the mouthwash as they can make you sick if you do so. 
4.    While dentist recommend not using a fluoride rinse more than once per day you can use mouthwash more often.  Many people find that using mouthwash as a part of a twice daily oral hygiene routine works best for them.
5.    Some mouthwash ingredients (chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride) may cause teeth staining. Be sure and check the label of your selected mouthwash if this could be a concern. 
6.    Avoid buying mouthwash in bulk unless you will be committing to a daily use of it.  Mouthwash over time can loose some of its effectiveness.  While a bulk gallon of mouthwash may be appealing from a price standpoint be sure you will be able to use before its effectiveness is lessened in other words check the best by date.