Oral hygiene clears plaque, bacteria, and other residues from our teeth, ensuring our smiles stay clean and healthy. To practice this, we brush our teeth twice a day and floss daily, and instruct our children to do the same.
Rinsing with mouthwash could offer additional advantages for your teeth and gums. Dr. Allie Miller, a pediatric dentist in Winter Park, FL, describes the oral health benefits your child could experience if they add mouthwash to their routine.
Boost Oral Hygiene
Throughout the day, natural bacteria in the mouth create a film of plaque over teeth that could deteriorate tooth enamel and leave teeth vulnerable to dental harm. Oral hygiene practices, like brushing teeth and flossing, remove plaque and prevent this type of dental damage.
We consume foods that contribute to plaque build-up between oral hygiene regimens, however. Rinsing with mouthwash, especially after a meal, can remove lingering food particles that could start to break down if left in the mouth and harm your teeth. This will also lower the chances of developing bad breath.
Strengthen Tooth Enamel
Choosing a mouthwash that contains fluoride will work to strengthen a child’s teeth, not just keep them clean. Fluoride toughens the outer layer of the tooth, enamel, to make teeth better resistant to fighting dental problems, like tooth decay.
This could mean that your child may get fewer cavities, requiring fewer dental procedures that could bring a child discomfort. Optimal preventative care will protect the structure of a child’s smile long-term.
Prevent Gum Disease
Bacteria left on the teeth can spread and infect the gums, causing periodontal disease. If untreated, this condition can ultimately lead to severe dental concerns, including tooth loss.
Usually, this condition worsens in adulthood. But preventative care through good oral hygiene habits can lower the risk of developing gum problems. Antibacterial mouthwash can balance your mouth’s natural bacteria to keep swollen, sore, and bleeding gums at bay.
Learn More from Your Dentist in Winter Park, FL
Pediatric Dentistry of Winter Park offers dental fillings and other general dentistry treatments, including preventative care, for young patients. Dr. Miller is an expert dentist who also specializes in limited orthodontics, cosmetic dental treatments, and much more in Winter Park, FL. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 407.434.0267.