Using a mouthwash that contains fluoride can help prevent tooth decay, but don't use mouthwash (even a fluoride one) straight after brushing your teeth or it'll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste left on your teeth. Choose a different time to use mouthwash, such as after lunch.
The Mayo Clinic recommends using mouthwash after brushing and flossing your teeth.
One important thing to note is that if you're using fluoride toothpaste, don't use mouthwash for at least 30 minutes after brushing! Why? Because the wash will rinse the fluoride out of your mouth.
It's important to use mouthwash after eating and before bed. For each use you should swish the liquid in your mouth for about a minute. If you eat a meal with heavy odors, you should use mouthwash after eating. It's best to also use mouthwash before bed to get rid of excess germs and bacteria before or after brushing.
Mouthwash may actually cause more cavities
First of all, your oral microbiome exists to help support the natural remineralization of your teeth. If you kill all the bacteria in your mouth (both good and bad), you eliminate a critical part of the equation in reversing tooth decay.
Mouthwash can be used every day if instructed by your dentist. However, make sure to also follow the instructions on your specific product, including how often to use it and how much to use.
Use a mouth rinse before bed
For an added boost to oral health, consider using a mouthwash or rinse before bed. A rinse will help to remove bacteria from your mouth and can effectively help prevent cavities.
Most people brush, floss and then use mouthwash. And some just brush, skipping the other two steps. As it turns out, it's actually more effective to floss, use mouthwash, then brush, according to dentists — and they don't recommend skipping any steps.
Since you keep eating throughout the day, night time is the best time for the antibacterial properties in the mouthwash to kill the bad bacteria. This gives enough time for the mouthwash to act as there is no eating activity through out the night.
Using an oral rinse immediately after brushing can rinse away some of the fluoride toothpaste. If you simply can't break the habit, then gargle and spit without swilling the liquid all around your teeth.
When it comes to general dentistry, it is recommended that you use mouthwash as part of your daily oral hygiene regimen because it kills the germs left in your mouth after brushing. Most adults use a mouthwash that contains alcohol because they believe it kills germs more effectively than alcohol-free mouthwash.
Short answer: It doesn't matter. However, if you are using a fluoride toothpaste, wait at least 30 minutes before you rinse (yes, even a fluoride one) as it'll wash away the fluoride from the toothpaste before it can do its job. If you do use a fluoride mouthwash, wait 30 minutes before you eat or drink.
Mouthwash Is a Short-Term Fix
But brush as soon after as you can. And if breath isn't fresh after a good brushing, it typically means it's packed full of bacteria. Mouthwash doesn't remove the sticky plaque and bacteria that only a good brushing and flossing can.
It is not recommended to rinse your mouth with water after you have just used mouthwash. This is because many mouthwashes contain ingredients such as fluoride that need time to start working. If you rinse your mouth out straight after, the fluoride will also be washed away during the rinsing.
Brush twice a day. And not just a quick swipe. Brush for at least two minutes, staying for 30 seconds in each quadrant of your mouth. If you find this difficult to maintain, try an electric toothbrush.
Morning breath—also known as “morning halitosis” or “mild transient oral malodor”—is easily treatable. It's a non-pathological form of halitosis, which means there's nothing particularly wrong with you. Just brush, floss, and swish with mouthwash and you should be fresh as a daisy.
Most Listerine products, a popular antiseptic mouthwash brand, cause a burning sensation. Listerine contains menthol, eucalyptol, thymol, methyl salicylate and alcohol. The first four ingredients are essential oils. It is the alcohol and the essential oils in the products that cause the burn.
Listerine Mouthwash is a Mouthwash manufactured by Johnson & Johnson Ltd. It is commonly used for the diagnosis or treatment of Germ killing, Protection of germs, plague, gum disease, inflammation of gums. It has some side effects such as Site burns, lip swelling, burning, gingival pain.
Mouthwash is generally meant to be swished around in the mouth for 30 to 60 seconds. Make sure you follow the directions on your specific bottle. Swishing for less than 30 seconds isn't usually enough time for the mouthwash to be effective while swishing for longer than a minute won't give you any additional benefits.
Consuming a small amount is unlikely to have any effect on you, but a larger amount could have an intoxicating effect. If you consume a large amount of mouthwash, it can cause symptoms like dizziness or drowsiness. In serious instances, you may have trouble breathing or even have convulsions.
Can You Overuse Mouthwash? One of the main ingredients in mouthwash is alcohol. Alcohol destroys bacteria, but it can also cause harm to your gums, inner cheeks and tongue if over used. The alcohol itself has a drying property that will absorb the moisture from your mouth and cause the affected areas to dry out.
If you have cavities or are at a high risk of contracting gum diseases, your dentist may recommend an antibacterial mouthwash. Mouth rinses with fluoride can also help ward off tooth decay.
The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs' Acceptance of Listerine Antiseptic is based on its finding that the product is safe and has shown efficacy in helping to prevent and reduce gingivitis (and plaque above the gumline), when used as directed.