Mouthwash has long been a staple in oral hygiene routines, promising fresh breath and a clean mouth as staples alongside a host of other claims. However, amidst the countless brands and varieties available, a cloud of misconceptions has emerged. We want to shed some light on the truth behind this essential bathroom product.
#1 - You Should Use Mouthwash After Brushing
This is perhaps the biggest misconception out there so we thought we’d tackle it head on - is it possible that most of the population have been getting this twice daily routine wrong their whole lives? Most of us have grown up using mouthwash as the last step in your oral hygiene regime, washing away any last remnants and leaving your breath and whole mouth feeling refreshed and ready to go.
We want to propose a seismic shift. Using mouthwash as the first step in your regime actually has two significant benefits.
- It can help to loosen and rinse away any particles, bacteria and debris lodged between teeth and gums from eating and drinking throughout the day. This act of a pre-rinse can therefore create a cleaner environment for toothbrush bristles to reach all areas effectively during brushing.
- It can rebalance the pH of your mouth, toning down acids that build up in between brushes and creating a more neutral environment for your enamel ahead of the abrasive brushing it’s about to receive. This can help to strengthen rather than wearing down enamel in the overall process.
And think of it this way, rather than washing away those key active ingredients you specifically choose your toothpaste for, don’t you want to leave them lingering on your teeth and maximise the long-lasting effectiveness of your toothpaste? In fact we suggest you don’t rinse at all after brushing but hold on to those powerhouse ingredients.
#2 - Mouthwash Can Replace Brushing & Flossing
Another prevalent misconception is that using mouthwash alone can adequately replace the need for regular brushing and flossing. Whilst it can be a valuable addition, it is not a substitute for the mechanical action or brushing and more targeted application of active ingredients. These activities are crucial for removing plaque and debris that mouthwash may not effectively reach.
This is why Laro have used “Active Mouth Rinse” as our naming convention. It rinses, prepares and complements your brushing regime.
#3 - All Mouthwashes Are the Same
In reality, there are many different types of mouthwashes designed to address specific oral health concerns. They should be chosen not just on marketing and labelling, but on the active ingredients you need to address your personal hygiene concerns. For example, most will by nature have antibacterial properties but not all will contain active ingredients such as fluoride or hydroxyapatite that contribute to your overall oral health and strengthen enamel.
Make sure you spend some time reading the fine print in order to get the most out of what you are spending! In reality without active ingredients, rinsing with water could sufficiently serve the same purpose.
#4 - Mouthwash Can Cure Gum Disease
We’ve heard it said before that using the right mouthwash can prevent and/or cure gum disease. Whilst antimicrobial mouthwash can definitely help to reduce bacteria and inflammation, it is not a standalone solution. Effective treatment of existing gum disease requires a comprehensive personal approach as advised by your dentist, as there can be different causes including genetics. Improved oral hygiene practices can no doubt go a long way towards prevention, however.
#5 - Alcohol-free Mouthwash is Ineffective
Our final myth to tackle is that alcohol-free mouthwash is ineffective, or not as effective as its alcoholic counterparts - some people believe alcohol is necessary for killing bacteria in the mouth. We feel the opposite. Whilst alcohol is a blanket bacteria killer, Laro have carefully selected ingredients to target the specific volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) that cause bad breath or lead to gum disease and leave good bacteria unharmed for a healthy balance of flora in your oral cavity.
Alcohol free mouthwash is highly recommended for people who suffer from sensitivity or dryness in their mouth, but we believe with the right formulation this should be the go to oral wellness product for everyone. Discover more about our Active Mouth Rinse and ingredients here.