Brushing and flossing are the foundation of a good oral hygiene.  Mouthwash has many benefits, when used according to the instructions on the label by adding it into your oral hygiene routine, it is not a substitution for flossing and brushing, it just be used in addition to doing both of those.

What are the Benefits of Mouthwash?

Mouthwash is probably best known for freshening your breath but that is not the only benefit you can get from it.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA) mouthwash can reach areas that your toothbrush can’t.  This can help reduce your risk of developing cavities and gum disease.

The American Academy of Periodontology states that untreated gum disease can lead to complications such as gum recession and tooth loss.  Adding mouthwash to your daily oral hygiene routine can help boost prevention efforts.

Mouthwash helps to control and prevent plaque; this is a bacterial film that builds up on your teeth. It is important to eliminate and limit the plaque on your teeth as it eventually hardens into tartar. The ADA has reported that mouthwash can actually slow down the formation of tartar, as well.

When Should You Use Mouthwash?

You should use it daily, between 30 and 60 seconds is the right amount of time to ensure that you get the benefits of it.  There is no one answer as to the time of day to use it, the best thing to do is check the label on your mouthwash to ensure that you maximize its effects.  Each product may have different ingredients in it and may recommend a specific time of use, before or after brushing.  The ADA states that you may choose to use mouthwash before or after brushing based on personal preference.

The Mayo Clinic recommends using mouthwash after brushing and flossing your teeth. However, the National Health Service (NHS) recommends avoiding mouthwash right after brushing, since this may wash away the fluoride from your toothpaste. Instead, the NHS recommends using mouthwash at a different time of day.

So as you can see, there is no right or wrong time to add mouthwash into your routine, the biggest thing is to add it in.