Do Dentists Recommend Mouthwash?

07 March 2025

Do Dentists Recommend Mouthwash?

The debate around whether mouthwash is an essential part of dental care and hygiene can be confusing.

Whilst mouthwash certainly never be a replacement for brushing or flossing, there are benefits in certain scenarios, and when you use it is paramount.

In this blog, we’ll highlight:

• What does mouthwash actually do?
• Finding the right mouthwash to use
• Are alcohol mouthwashes ever good for you?
• When to use alcohol-free mouthwash
• What time of day to use mouthwash for best results
• Why using mouthwash after brushing is a no-no.

What does mouthwash actually do?

Freshens your breath

The most obvious use of mouthwash is to freshen your breath. Whilst it can be useful for this, if you have chronic bad breath caused by decay or gum disease, mouthwash won’t provide a solution.

Your best bet of battling chronic bad breath is to see your dentist to address the underlying cause.

Can reduce plaque and gingivitis

Whilst using mouthwash alone won’t lower your gum disease risk, it can play a role in doing so, alongside adequate efficient brushing and flossing. Mouthwash can remove food particles left behind after brushing and flossing, acting as a supplement saliva of sorts!

Gets rid of infections

Prescription mouthwashes (which your dentist at The Smile Studios can provide) like Chlorhexidine can be used to destroy bacteria and prevent gingivitis from occurring.

It can also be used to treat mouth ulcers.

Are alcohol mouthwashes ever good for you?

At The Smile Studios, we are advocates of alcohol-free mouthwash, as when used regularly, it strips the essential cleansing saliva from your mouth.

Alcohol-based mouthwashes are designed to banish the bad bacteria from your mouth, making them extremely powerful, and yes, they can be effective for keeping your breath fresh. However, studies can’t rule out a link to head and neck cancer through using alcohol-based mouthwash.

As the efficacy of alcohol-based and non-alcohol-based mouthwashes don’t differ much, it’s really not worth putting yourself at potential unnecessary risk by choosing an alcohol-based mouthwash.

Finding the right mouthwash to use

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a mouthwash:

• Fluoride content
• Is it alcohol-based?
• Do you have sensitive teeth? Some mouthwashes are formulated with this in mind.
• Do you have specific needs you need to address with mouthwash (bleeding gums/cavities/bad breath etc).
• Follow the instructions – some mouthwashes can differ from others.

Our overall brand pick: Corsodyl

Corsodyl mouthwash containing fluoride is our pick of daily mouthwash. Mouthwash containing fluoride helps to fortify your teeth against cavities, and Corsodyl offer several mouthwashes that contain fluoride, but without the potential harm of alcohol.

One thing to consider with Corsodyl is that it isn’t suitable for people with heavily-stained teeth due to plaque, as it will stick to the plaque.

If you have severe plaque staining, seeing a hygienist to have this removed before you start using your mouthwash will do your mouth the world of good.

If you are unsure what type of mouthwash to use, our dentists can help you select the right one for your needs after a clinical appointment with you.

Best time of day to use mouthwash

This is one of the most important factors to consider, as it will influence the impact the mouthwash has.

Just like you shouldn’t brush straight after eating, or eat straight after brushing, you should avoid using mouthwash straight after brushing.

When you use mouthwash immediately after brushing, you rinse away the protective benefits your toothpaste has on your mouth. If you’re going to use mouthwash after brushing, try and wait for 30 minutes.

We recommend using mouthwash shortly after lunch to remove any lingering particles leftover in your mouth. This is the most appropriate time to use mouthwash.

Advice on mouthwash and hygiene – ask us at The Smile Studios

Here at The Smile Studios, mouthwash advice is something our patients often ask us for. We’re always happy to take your questions about the role of mouthwash, and guide you towards the right mouthwash, and explain its role as part of your oral hygiene routine.

Contact us to book a no-obligation appointment with one of our dentists or hygienists. We welcome patients who wish to come and see if we are a good fit for them (there’s never any obligation to go ahead with a suggested treatment!)

We look forward to seeing you.