Does Gargling Really Help?

When it comes to health care, you will encounter a lot of conflicting information, especially on the internet. Dental health care is no exception to this rule. One subject that you may have not thought about is gargling? Is it effective? How exactly do you do it correctly? What should you gargle with? We at Community Dental Group will answer these questions and give you some pointers on how to better care for your teeth.

Gargling can be an effective way to protect your teeth, but the actual benefits depend on what you gargle with, and how often. Gargling should be done when brushing and flossing. The length of time you gargle is determined by the type of substance you’re using. What you gargle with depends on what condition you’re most concerned about. A salt water rinse can be useful after oral surgery, as it kills bacteria in the wound and helps reduce swelling. An antiseptic mouthwash is useful to prevent plaque when combined with good brushing and flossing practices.

Naturally, what you gargle with is a very important choice. Choosing the proper mouthwash is an important step in good oral care. Most mouthwashes contain alcohol, which is why it causes a burning sensation when you use it. While alcohol kills bacteria, it dries out the mouth which can cause bad breath. In addition, alcohol can irritate the mouth and cause oral sores over time. Fortunately, there are now several mouthwash on the market that do not contain alcohol. Be sure to check the ingredients before buying. Also, try to choose a mouthwash with fluoride, as it will help protect your teeth against cavities.

When it comes time to gargle, there is a proper technique involved, just as with anything else. When using mouthwash, be sure to use the correct amount as indicated on the instructions. Pour this amount into your mouth, tilt your head back and say “aaaah.” Do this until you run out of breath, then tilt your head forward, take a breath, tilt your head back and repeat. Do this until you’ve reached the 30-60 second mark, then spit out the mouthwash in the sink. You should use mouthwash when you brush for best results. Following these steps will help keep your mouth free of cavities and your breath fresh.