Should You Use Mouthwash if You Have Braces? Benefits and Recommendations

An Introduction to Braces and Oral Hygiene

Getting braces is an exciting milestone, but the hardware inside your mouth requires special care. With brackets, wires and elastics sitting on your teeth, you have to be diligent about cleaning to avoid tooth decay, gum inflammation and bad breath. Using an antibacterial mouthwash can help maximize oral hygiene while wearing braces.

How Do Braces Impact Oral Health?

Braces consist of small brackets glued to each tooth, connected by arch wires. Rubber bands or elastic ligatures hold the wire to the brackets. This hardware makes the environment inside your mouth ideal for accumulating extra food debris and plaque.

All that trapped food increases your risk of cavities, gum disease, staining and unpleasant mouth odor if not removed properly. Fortunately, taking a few extra steps will allow you to continue enjoying good oral health with braces.

Caring for Braces

Proper oral hygiene is critical when you have braces to prevent harm to your teeth and gums. Be diligent about these daily habits:

• Brush after meals and before bed with a soft bristle toothbrush.
• Use fluoride toothpaste to protect against cavities.
• Clean under and around orthodontic hardware with special tools.
• Rinse thoroughly with water after eating and brushing.
• Avoid sticky, sugary foods that increase plaque buildup.
• Visit your orthodontist regularly for adjustments and cleanings.

Adding an antibacterial mouthwash to your regimen can provide extra protection between brushes.

The Benefits of Using Mouthwash with Braces

Using a quality antibacterial mouthwash while wearing braces offers many perks for your oral health and hygiene:

1. Prevents Plaque and Gum Disease

The alcohol and antibacterial ingredients in mouthwash kill harmful bacteria that contribute to plaque formation. Plaque that isn't removed can lead to cavities and periodontal disease. Standard brushing may not fully access areas around orthodontics. Swishing daily helps disrupt bacteria from accumulating in those spots.

2. Freshens Breath

Braces are notorious for causing bad breath. Bacteria thrive on trapped food particles in the brackets, producing foul-smelling sulfur compounds. Mouthwash washes away these odor-causing bacteria to leave your breath smelling minty fresh.

3. Keeps Teeth White

Without proper cleaning, braces can cause unsightly white spots on teeth from mineral buildup. Mouthwash helps prevent decalcification around brackets to keep your smile looking its best. Whitening formulas actively dissolve stains too.

4. Reduces Inflammation and Irritation

The antiseptic ingredients in mouthwash soothe irritation and inflammation of the gums from new braces. This helps prevent painful canker sores on tender tissue inside the mouth.

5. Cleans Grooves and Gaps

Mouthwash penetrates the nooks and crannies where your toothbrush can't reach. The solution clears out plaque and debris from behind the brackets and under the wires.

6. Kills Germs from Cuts

The braces process can nick and cut your lips and cheeks. Gargling mouthwash protects these small cuts from infection-causing bacteria.

Choosing the Best Mouthwash for Braces

With drugstore shelves lined with mouthwash options, how do you know which one to use with braces? Here are some features to look for:

Antibacterial Ingredients

Seeking a formula with antibacterial agents like cetylpyridinium chloride or essential oils ensures your mouthwash can kill plaque-forming bacteria. Triclosan is another common ingredient but some avoid it due to health concerns.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel to resist acid attacks that cause cavities. Mouthwashes with fluoride deliver an extra layer of protection from tooth decay.

Alcohol-Free

Some brands contain alcohol which dries the mouth and contributes to halitosis. Alcohol-free formulas are gentler if you experience irritation.

ADA Accepted

Checking for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal lets you know a mouthwash is safe and effective when used as directed.

Formula Type

Cosmetic mouthwashes aim to freshen breath. Therapeutic formulas contain medicine to treat oral health issues. Look for a therapeutic antibacterial mouthwash for best results.

How to Use Mouthwash with Braces

Using mouthwash with braces takes some finesse. Follow these steps for proper technique:

1. Brush and Floss First

Always brush and floss thoroughly before using mouthwash. This removes plaque so the antiseptic ingredients can penetrate fully for maximum effectiveness.

2. Check the Dosage

Read the product label to learn the recommended dosage. Typically it's a capful of liquid. Too much can provoke irritation or swallowing the solution.

3. Swish Vigorously

After adding the right amount to your mouth, swish the liquid vigorously around your teeth and hardware for 30-60 seconds. This allows full contact for cleansing.

4. Hit All Angles

To disinfect every area, swish mouthwash between your teeth, over your gums, and between the bracket and wires. Tilt your head back to swish through the gaps.

5. Don't Rinse After

Avoid rinsing with water after expectorating the used mouthwash. This allows the antibacterial ingredients to keep working in your mouth.

6. Use Twice Daily

For maximum protection, use your medicated mouthwash twice a day - morning and night. This keeps bacteria under control for fresher breath.

Best Mouthwashes to Use with Braces

Not all mouthwashes are created equal when it comes to the special needs of users with braces. Here are some top options:

Crest Pro-Health Smooth Mint Mouthwash

Crest Pro-Health is one of the few mouthwashes approved by the ADA. It harnesses the antibacterial powers of Cetylpyridinium Chloride without alcohol. The smooth mint flavor leaves your mouth feeling clean.

ACT Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash

Containing 0.05% fluoride ions, this ADA-accepted ACT mouthwash strengthens enamel and prevents cavities around orthodontics. The formula is alcohol-free and kills germs for 12 hours.

TheraBreath Dentist Formulated Orthodontic Oral Rinse

Designed specifically for braces and aligners, TheraBreath Oral Rinse neutralizes bad breath and cleans away debris. It contains cetylpyridinium chloride and is free of alcohol and detergents.

Colgate Total Advanced Pro-Shield Mouthwash

Colgate Total mouthwash fights cavities, freshens breath for 12 hours, and prevents plaque and gingivitis. The formula harnesses cetylpyridinium chloride and fluoride without irritating alcohol.

Biotene Dry Mouth Antiseptic Oral Rinse

Biotene mouthwash provides dry mouth relief and long-lasting fresh breath. With enzymes and fluoride, it moisturizes the mouth and prevents plaque buildup around orthodontics.

Risks of Improper Mouthwash Use

While mouthwash offers many benefits for people with braces, misusing it can lead to some issues:

• Skin irritation or canker sores from alcohol formulas
• Tooth decay from choosing non-ADA accepted brands
• Enamel damage if used too aggressively
• Tissue inflammation from excessive use
• Nausea or vomiting from swallowing mouthwash

Using mouthwash properly minimizes risks. Follow directions and talk to your orthodontist or dentist if you have concerns.

Essential Oral Care While Wearing Braces

Mouthwash should be used to complement brushing and flossing, not replace them. Continue practicing thorough oral hygiene daily:

• Brush teeth and braces thoroughly twice a day.
• Gently floss under wires and between teeth daily.
• Clean brackets with orthodontic brushes.
• See your orthodontist regularly for adjustments.

With the combination of proper brushing, flossing, mouthwash use, and professional cleanings, your smile will continue shining brightly even with braces!

The Takeaway

Using an antibacterial mouthwash while wearing braces enhances your oral hygiene. Swishing daily helps prevent plaque buildup, cavities, gingivitis and bad breath. Choose an ADA-accepted formula with fluoride. Use as directed with brushing and flossing for the best results. Proper mouthwash technique ensures you experience all the benefits without unwanted side effects.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.