Toothpaste or Mouthwash? Which is Better

Is one toothpaste or mouthwash brand really superior to another? Your family dentist may assist you in limiting your options and could even suggest a particular brand, but doing your research as a consumer is a smart place to start.

The purpose of toothpaste is to improve the effectiveness of cleaning your teeth, gums, and tongue on all surfaces. It’s crucial to realize that the mechanics and timing of brushing your teeth specifically, how and when you do it are often more significant than the tools that you use.

Toothpaste foaming while brushing is the typical picture that consumers visualize. It may be incredibly moving to imagine little bubbles making their way into the spaces between your teeth. But does the foam really make toothpaste effective? What about sensitivity variables or “whitening power”?

Whitening toothpaste cannot really remove stains that are embedded deeply in the enamel. Instead, abrasive elements assist in grinding away tenacious surface stains, while chemical compounds aid in dissolving them. Your enamel may be harmed by both. For long-lasting effects, professional whitening is recommended.

Additionally, bubbles have little impact on the cleaning procedure. The only toothpaste option that could matter to you is if you have sensitive teeth or gums; if your teeth and gums need special care, a toothpaste with additional ingredients added for pain might be able to assist you.  Many dentists will recommend such options after procedures like in-office whitening, when sensitivity is heightened.

Another product with many variants and variations is mouthwash. In advertisements, mouthwash is shown killing germs and then foaming in awkward hard to reach places. Some advertisements for mouthwash even claim that regular usage may strengthen teeth.

Although there is some truth to these claims as liquid rinses may certainly get into areas where brush bristles can’t, and mouthwashes with fluoride can help prevent decay. Using mouthwash is in no way a substitute for cleaning your teeth, gums, and tongue. Alcohol-based mouthwashes may also dry out your mouth, which can lead to further problems, including persistent “cottonmouth” and an unpleasant odor.

Does Mouthwash Actually Work?

The effects of mouthwash are a topic of discussion. Others advocate mouthwash as a useful tool for treating gum disease and bad breath, while others feel it might cause cancer by destroying cells with abrasive alcohol. What then is the reality?

In reality, mouthwash has both positive and negative effects. The best mouthwash for reducing halitosis (bad breath) and assisting in some plaque and food particle removal is fluoride-only mouthwash. However, overusing mouthwash may cause the mouth to become dry, which can actually worsen breath.

What is the Best Toothpaste Brand? Is it Important?

Does this imply that toothpaste is not essential if the mechanical action of the toothbrush serves as the primary means of eradicating plaque and the minty sensation of toothpaste isn’t very significant?

Although brushing is the most efficient way to eliminate plaque, toothpaste is still necessary to strengthen teeth, aid in plaque removal, and prevent tooth decay. Which brand is the best then? The truth is that as long as your toothpaste includes fluoride, it doesn’t really matter what brand you use. Any fluoride-containing toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association is a good choice.

Last but not least, scheduling and attending routine dental cleanings with your dentist is essential for maintaining the cleanliness and health of your teeth and gums. Your daily routine at home is crucial, but periodic checkups and cleanings provide added thoroughness, may identify concerns before they become costly or uncomfortable, and can help you stay ahead of any problems.

Call us at 407-876-2991 for a free consultation or click here to request an appointment. We have 2 offices to care for our patients. Our Orlando office is in Lake Nona where we also serve St Cloud residents. We are located at 13250 Narcoossee Rd, Suite #100, Orlando, FL 32832. Our Windermere office, where we also serve Dr. Phillips, Winter Garden, Metro West and Ocoee, is located at 422 Main St, #2, Windermere, FL 34786.