People who have gum disease are looking for anything that will help them improve their gum health. They know that if they want to continue to improve their gum health, it will make their gum health better over time. Mouthwash can be a good way to help combat gum disease and keep your mouth healthy. However, there are some mouthwashes that are not good for your teeth and gums. In fact, they might make gum disease worse. Keep reading to find out more about gum disease and mouthwash.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums. The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. It causes gums to become inflamed and irritated. In stage one of gum disease, you can treat the disease through proper dental hygiene and checkups. However, if you don’t treat the disease, your disease will worsen. Over time, gum disease can move to stages two or three. At these stages, gum disease becomes permanent, and damage can occur. You can lose gum tissue and teeth as well.
How Does Mouthwash Affect Gum Disease?
Many people think rinsing with mouthwash can help freshen your breath, and fight bacteria. It is true that there are many mouthwashes that can help control bacteria and make your breath appear fresh. However, there are some mouthwashes you shouldn’t use if you have gum disease.
When mouthwashes have alcohol in them, the mouthwash acts as a drying agent for your mouth. When your mouth is dry, saliva dries up. Bacteria are naturally washed off your teeth each day because of saliva. The less saliva in your mouth, the more bacteria are allowed to grow. In other words, alcohol in your mouthwash can make your gum disease worse. Instead of using mouthwash with alcohol in it, choose a mouthwash with no alcohol. We recommend a mouthwash with lemon or mint in them. Natural mouthwashes can be great too! If you have questions about your gum disease, contact us, and let us answer your questions.
