The Benefits of Adding a Fluoride Rinse to Your Regular Routine

If you are not already using a fluoride mouth rinse, then you may want to consider adding one to your dental health regimen. The American Dental Association supports the practice of using a fluoridated rinse in addition to brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing. It is especially recommended for those who appear to be prone to cavities.


In areas of the country where the drinking water is not fluoridated, it is also a good idea. The rinses help to strengthen the tooth enamel, which in turn provides extra protection from acid damage, which is most often caused by sugary foods and beverages. Acid damage directly contributes to tooth decay. Please never assume that using a dental rinse is a substitute for brushing and flossing-it is not! In addition to fortifying the enamel fluoridated mouth rinses can also:

• Help reduce plaque
• Prevent or reduce gingivitis-an early stage of gum disease
• Fight the germs that cause bad breath

Do not make the common mistake of choosing a cosmetic rinse over a therapeutic mouth rinse. The cosmetic ones may aim to whiten teeth and in turn improve your smile, however, they do not contain the necessary ingredients to do the real job at hand. Although they may produce whiter teeth, they fail when it comes to dealing with the true causes of bad breath and tooth decay. By contrast, a therapeutic rinse, which contains fluoride and other key ingredients, will kill the bacteria that cause bad breath and help reduce plaque, gingivitis and cavities.

Unfortunately, some of us simply have a genetic predisposition that makes us more susceptible to tooth decay and other problems. A mouth rinse can offer extra protection from plaque. This harmful film that adheres to the teeth, leads to gingivitis, which is the precursor to gum disease. According to the ADA, “If plaque is allowed to continue to accumulate, gingivitis can progress to advanced gum disease, called periodontitis, which only a dentist can treat.” Another concern is that when plaque takes over, it can turn into tartar, which is a hard substance that sticks to the teeth and can only be removed by a dental professional.

Hopefully, after reading through all of the benefits, you are ready to include a fluoridated mouth rinse in your dental hygiene tool kit. There’s just one more point to keep in mind. You will get the best results when you use the rinse and then, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking for at least 30 minutes so you don't wash away the fluoride.