Should you use mouthwash this Valentine's Day?
No one wants to kiss someone with poor oral hygiene and bad breath. So, what can you do to make sure your mouth is kissable on February 14th?
Gum disease begins with plaque. This is a film of very sticky bacteria on the teeth which, if not removed, causes gum disease. Because it is so sticky plaque can only be removed from teeth with a brush or dental floss. Mouthwash can never replace good brushing.
In 2014 a study in The Journal of Clinical Dentistry found antiseptic mouthwash used twice a day reduced the build-up of plaque and gum disease over a six-month period. Mouthwash makes teeth 'more slippy' so the sticky plaque finds it difficult to adhere, which in turn means your mouth feels fresher for longer.
Bad breath (halitosis) is caused when excess bacteria emit excess gas. Pockets of bacteria can lurk around fillings, ill-fitting crowns and impacted wisdom teeth. Halitosis requires treatment from a dentist or hygienist, but a mouthwash can help. Use one with ingredients such as chlorine dioxide, which kills the volatile sulphur compounds that cause foul odour.
Many mouth washes contain alcohol, which has been linked to oral cancers in some studies. Alcohol can exacerbate bad breath because of its drying properties, and because it is quite harsh it may also cause stinging. Most dentists and hygienists agree that if you use mouthwash it should be alcohol-free.
Finally, most of us don't hold mouthwash in our mouths long enough for it to work. The optimal time is 30-60 seconds.
As part of a good dental hygiene routine mouthwashes are helpful but they will never replace the mechanical action of a toothbrush and floss for getting teeth and gums really clean.
So now you know. Happy kissing!
By Louise Addison