Do you need a mouthwash? What it can and cannot do

Mouthwash is sold as the finishing touch to a clean mouth. It can help some people, but it is an extra and never a replacement for brushing and cleaning between your teeth.

What can mouthwash do?

• Freshen breath for a short time.
• Fluoride types can add protection against decay, useful for people who get cavities easily.
• Antiseptic types can reduce bacteria for a while, and a dentist may suggest one for a short period, for example after a gum procedure.

What can it not do?

It cannot remove plaque. Plaque is sticky and has to be removed by brushing and cleaning between teeth. A mouthwash cannot cure bleeding gums, cavities or gum disease, and it does not remove tartar.

Does it fix bad breath?

It can hide it for a short time, but the smell usually returns if the cause is still there. Look for the cause first. See bad breath: why it happens and how to fix it.

Things to watch

• Alcohol-containing mouthwashes can sting and dry the mouth, which can make breath worse for some people. Alcohol-free types exist.
• Strong antiseptic mouthwashes used for a long time can stain teeth or change taste. Use them for as long as your dentist advises.
• Children should not use mouthwash unless a dentist advises, because they may swallow it.
• Always follow the label, and never swallow it.

A simple salt-water rinse

Warm water with a little salt, rinsed gently, is a harmless way to soothe the mouth when gums are sore. It does not replace cleaning. See swollen or painful gums.

What matters more

The daily routine does the real work. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth once a day. See how to brush your teeth properly.

When to see a dentist

Ask your dentist whether a mouthwash would help you, and which type. Check-ups are available at both our clinics, in Sayan and on Chhaprabhatha-Variyav Road. Use the booking button below to ask for an appointment.