Cosmetic Mouthwash VS Therapeutic Mouthwash

Mouthwash is an essential part of your oral hygiene routine, especially when being treated by Kemp Orthodontics. The process of using mouthwash seems pretty simple: swig, swish, gargle and spit. But, what most people misunderstand is not all mouthwash is created equal. In fact, do you know if you’re using the right kind of mouthwash while being treated by Dr. Kemp? And, are you sure you’re using it correctly?

Mouthwash Differences

The next time you’re ready to buy mouthwash, make sure you know your mouthwash and the differences between cosmetic mouthwashes and therapeutic mouthwashes. Just like toothpastes, there are different types of mouthwashes to do different things for your mouth. This is why it’s important to know the key differences between cosmetic & therapeutic mouthwashes.

Cosmetic mouthwashes act as a mask for bad breath or help whiten teeth. Similar to a mint, cosmetic mouthwashes will merely cover your bad breath and give you a more agreeable taste in your mouth. Aside from that, there are also some cosmetic mouthwashes that help give you a brighter whiter smile.

Therapeutic mouthwashes, however, have clinical purposes for oral hygiene that go beyond masking the smell of your breath. Therapeutic mouthwashes serve to fight plaque, attack bacteria, and strengthen teeth with fluoride making them a better choice for our patients at Kemp Orthodontics.

Waterpik-Orthodontic Tool

At Kemp Orthodontics we know that for some of our patients it can be difficult to weave through those wires and brackets as you brush and floss during your treatment without leaving food particles.

A lot of our patients have found that when they use a Waterpik they are able to flush out food particles stuck between their teeth.  The water from the Waterpik can reach behind the brackets and wires and hit spots where your floss simply cannot reach. People suffering from gum disease also find Waterpik quite effective because of their ability to flush out bacteria from inside the deep pockets.

If you have any questions about Waterpik or any general questions or concerns about your orthodontic treatment, we encourage you to please ask us at your next appointment!

Plaque: The #1 Enemy

The biggest enemy of our teeth is plaque, and the most effective way to remove plaque is with regular brushing and flossing.  As you eat, your teeth and braces collect food.  If this food is left on your teeth and at your gum line, bacteria will attack the food and change it into plaque.  Plaque will cause white marks on your enamel, swollen gums and, if left too long, will cause a cavity.  Your Beautiful  Smile should be filled with sparkling clean teeth, not white marks and cavities.  The team at Kemp Orthodontics is here to help you achieve the best smile possible.