Does Mouthwash Really Give the Same Benefit as Flossing?

/ Mas'ood Cajee, DDS, MPH/

In your quest for a healthier smile, you may have wondered if you can replace flossing with mouthwash. After all, some mouthwash brands claim to be five times better than flossing at improving gum health. Let's take a closer look at this claim and see if mouthwashing can truly replace flossing.

1. Understanding the Claims

Some mouthwash brands, like Listerine, claim that their product is five times more effective than flossing at improving gum health . These claims are based on studies comparing the reduction of plaque and gingivitis (gum inflammation) when using mouthwash versus flossing.

2. The Case for Mouthwash

Mouthwash can provide some benefits for your oral health, such as:

Killing germs: Antiseptic mouthwash can help kill bacteria that cause gum disease and bad breath.

Reaching hard-to-brush areas: Mouthwash can reach areas in your mouth that your toothbrush might miss.

Refreshing breath: A quick swish of mouthwash can leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean.

3. The Case for Flossing

Flossing offers unique benefits that mouthwashing can't replicate:

Removing plaque: Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth, preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

Strengthening gums: Regular flossing can improve gum health by stimulating blood flow and removing irritants.

Targeting tight spaces: Flossing can reach areas that mouthwash can't, such as tight spaces between teeth.

4. Why Not Both?

The best approach for a healthy smile is to combine both flossing and mouthwashing. This way, you get the best of both worlds:

Use floss first: Flossing removes debris and plaque from between your teeth.

Rinse with mouthwash: After flossing, rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.

5. Quirky Facts

Minty Fresh: Ancient Egyptians used mint leaves to freshen their breath, much like modern mouthwash.

Flossing on the Moon: Astronauts took floss with them on the Apollo missions to clean their teeth in space.

Mouthwash History: The first known mouthwash was made in the 1st century AD and contained ingredients like vinegar and herbs.


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