If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, your dentist or periodontist has likely explained the importance of good oral hygiene in reducing the effects and preventing further damage. So, to best benefit your mouth, you might be considering adding a mouthwash into your oral health regimen. This is a great idea, as certain mouthwashes can provide a variety of great benefits to the gums.

Using Mouthwash To Treat Your Gums

Mouthwash is a good tool to use in the treatment of your gum disease. However, it is important that you are selecting the right mouthwash, as simply using a cosmetic option to freshen your breath isn’t going to do anything to boost the health of your gums.

Instead, choose an antimicrobial option, as these will kill about 99% of the bacteria that are found in your mouth, and they can keep these bacteria at bay for as many as 12 hours. Since these mouthwashes will kill gingivitis-causing bacteria while also freshening your breath, it is a good addition to any oral health routine.

Your Dentist May Recommend Prescription Strength Mouthwash

If an over-the-counter mouthwash combined with your brushing and flossing still isn’t getting great results at treating your gum disease, your dentist may prescribe something a little more powerful.

Prescription-strength mouthwashes often contain chlorhexidine gluconate, which is an antimicrobial that kills a variety of different bacteria. This rinse is helpful in reducing inflammation, the formation of plaque, and bleeding gums. While it is safe to use, you should be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions.

While using mouthwash is a great tool in fighting – and preventing – gum disease, it should never replace brushing and flossing. Cleaning your teeth twice per day will be your main defense in gum disease prevention, and frequent checkups and cleanings at our dental office will also be essential for long-term gum health.