The short answer is no, not everyone needs to use mouthwash.
But for some people they can be helpful, particularly if you struggle with bad breath or want some extra support with gum hygiene.
Kia ora, I’m Laura, a dental hygienist and the founder of Solid Oral Care.
I created Solid Oxygenating Mouthwash over 10 years ago because my patients would often complain that typical mouthwashes didn’t work, or only worked for a few minutes.
I wanted to create something that could be a useful addition to their daily oral hygiene routine.
So, when should you use mouthwash?
1. Mouthwash for bad breath
Google will most likely tell you that bad breath (also known as halitosis) is caused by not brushing or flossing frequently enough.
And while poor oral hygiene can certainly cause bad breath, that’s not always the case.
I found that often the people who were most worried about their breath had beautiful oral hygiene. Their gums and teeth looked good, and they made sure to brush and (sometimes 😆) floss.
Which made it more likely that their tongue was the culprit.
Why does your tongue cause bad breath?
Our tongues are covered in little protrusions called papillae. Bacteria, waste products and food debris can get caught between these papillae, forming a coating on the tongue.
Some of these bacteria produce smelly compounds, which contribute to bad breath.
Genetics, diet, saliva production and oral hygiene all influence how much tongue coating each person builds up on a daily basis.
If you’re someone who does develop a decent tongue coating, this could be a major cause of your bad breath.
The good news is that it’s often quite easy to manage.
This mouthwash contains hydrogen peroxide, which releases oxygen when it comes in contact with your saliva. This is what creates the bubbling sensation when you use it.
I developed it particularly for people who were already doing a great job of looking after their teeth but still struggled to keep their breath fresh.
Bonus tip: A dry mouth can also contribute to bad breath. Saliva helps wash away food debris and bacteria, so when your mouth is dry, bad breath can become more noticeable.
Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning to get some moisture back into your mouth, then stay well-hydrated throughout the day. Especially if you have a job where you talk a lot!
2. Mouthwash for gum hygiene
Just like your teeth, your gums do NOT like plaque touching them.
Plaque is the bacteria-filled, white, sticky stuff that builds up daily on the surfaces of your teeth.
If this plaque is not removed regularly, it can start to irritate the gumline over time. You’ll notice bleeding, puffy or red gums.
This is called gingivitis.
In some people, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that damages the tissues and bone supporting your teeth. Over time, this can eventually lead to loose teeth.
Can mouthwash help keep your gums healthy?
The recipe for healthy, happy gums is fairly simple for most people:
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss or use interdental brushes once a day.
Have regular dental check-ups.
No mouthwash can replace toothbrushing or cleaning between your teeth, as plaque needs to be physically removed.
However, certain mouthwashes can be a useful addition to your oral hygiene routine, depending on their ingredients and your individual needs.
An oxygenating mouthwash can be an additional step for keeping your mouth feeling fresh and clean, but it isn’t a treatment for gum disease.
If you’re experiencing bleeding gums or have been diagnosed with gum disease, check with your dentist or hygienist about whether a mouthwash could benefit you.
So, what is oxygenating mouthwash?
Oxygenating mouthwash is a mouthwash that contains an ingredient that releases oxygen.
Solid Oxygenating Mouthwash contains 1.5% hydrogen peroxide, which breaks down and releases oxygen, creating that distinctive bubbling sensation.
It’s also alcohol-free, so you don’t get the intense burning sensation associated with some traditional mouthwashes.
I originally developed it to help people manage bad breath, but it can also be used as an extra step in your oral hygiene routine.
How much mouthwash do you actually need?
You may notice that Solid mouthwash comes in a smaller bottle than most mouthwashes.
That’s because you only need to use 5ml, or one teaspoon, each time.
For bad breath, hold a capful over your tongue for around 60 seconds, or until you feel the bubbling sensation, before spitting it out.
For general oral hygiene, swish a capful around your teeth and gums for 60 seconds, then spit it out.
One 250ml bottle gives you 50 swishes.
And remember, you can return your empty glass bottle to us for refill and reuse!
So, do you need mouthwash?
Not necessarily.
If you’re brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth and have healthy gums and fresh breath, you may not need to add a mouthwash to your routine.
But if you’re someone who struggles with bad breath, particularly if you develop a coating on your tongue, a tongue scraper and an oxygenating mouthwash could be worth trying.
And if you’re looking for something extra to complement your usual oral hygiene routine, mouthwash can have its place.
Just remember, it’s an addition to good oral hygiene, not a replacement for it.
Should I use mouthwash?
The short answer is no, not everyone needs to use mouthwash.
But for some people they can be helpful, particularly if you struggle with bad breath or want some extra support with gum hygiene.
Kia ora, I’m Laura, a dental hygienist and the founder of Solid Oral Care.
I created Solid Oxygenating Mouthwash over 10 years ago because my patients would often complain that typical mouthwashes didn’t work, or only worked for a few minutes.
I wanted to create something that could be a useful addition to their daily oral hygiene routine.
So, when should you use mouthwash?
1. Mouthwash for bad breath
Google will most likely tell you that bad breath (also known as halitosis) is caused by not brushing or flossing frequently enough.
And while poor oral hygiene can certainly cause bad breath, that’s not always the case.
I found that often the people who were most worried about their breath had beautiful oral hygiene. Their gums and teeth looked good, and they made sure to brush and (sometimes 😆) floss.
Which made it more likely that their tongue was the culprit.
Why does your tongue cause bad breath?
Our tongues are covered in little protrusions called papillae. Bacteria, waste products and food debris can get caught between these papillae, forming a coating on the tongue.
Some of these bacteria produce smelly compounds, which contribute to bad breath.
Genetics, diet, saliva production and oral hygiene all influence how much tongue coating each person builds up on a daily basis.
If you’re someone who does develop a decent tongue coating, this could be a major cause of your bad breath.
The good news is that it’s often quite easy to manage.
I recommend gently scraping your tongue each morning, and following with Solid Oxygenating Mouthwash.
This mouthwash contains hydrogen peroxide, which releases oxygen when it comes in contact with your saliva. This is what creates the bubbling sensation when you use it.
I developed it particularly for people who were already doing a great job of looking after their teeth but still struggled to keep their breath fresh.
Bonus tip: A dry mouth can also contribute to bad breath. Saliva helps wash away food debris and bacteria, so when your mouth is dry, bad breath can become more noticeable.
Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning to get some moisture back into your mouth, then stay well-hydrated throughout the day. Especially if you have a job where you talk a lot!
2. Mouthwash for gum hygiene
Just like your teeth, your gums do NOT like plaque touching them.
Plaque is the bacteria-filled, white, sticky stuff that builds up daily on the surfaces of your teeth.
If this plaque is not removed regularly, it can start to irritate the gumline over time. You’ll notice bleeding, puffy or red gums.
This is called gingivitis.
In some people, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that damages the tissues and bone supporting your teeth. Over time, this can eventually lead to loose teeth.
Can mouthwash help keep your gums healthy?
The recipe for healthy, happy gums is fairly simple for most people:
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss or use interdental brushes once a day.
Have regular dental check-ups.
No mouthwash can replace toothbrushing or cleaning between your teeth, as plaque needs to be physically removed.
However, certain mouthwashes can be a useful addition to your oral hygiene routine, depending on their ingredients and your individual needs.
An oxygenating mouthwash can be an additional step for keeping your mouth feeling fresh and clean, but it isn’t a treatment for gum disease.
If you’re experiencing bleeding gums or have been diagnosed with gum disease, check with your dentist or hygienist about whether a mouthwash could benefit you.
So, what is oxygenating mouthwash?
Oxygenating mouthwash is a mouthwash that contains an ingredient that releases oxygen.
Solid Oxygenating Mouthwash contains 1.5% hydrogen peroxide, which breaks down and releases oxygen, creating that distinctive bubbling sensation.
It’s also alcohol-free, so you don’t get the intense burning sensation associated with some traditional mouthwashes.
I originally developed it to help people manage bad breath, but it can also be used as an extra step in your oral hygiene routine.
How much mouthwash do you actually need?
You may notice that Solid mouthwash comes in a smaller bottle than most mouthwashes.
That’s because you only need to use 5ml, or one teaspoon, each time.
For bad breath, hold a capful over your tongue for around 60 seconds, or until you feel the bubbling sensation, before spitting it out.
For general oral hygiene, swish a capful around your teeth and gums for 60 seconds, then spit it out.
One 250ml bottle gives you 50 swishes.
And remember, you can return your empty glass bottle to us for refill and reuse!
So, do you need mouthwash?
Not necessarily.
If you’re brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth and have healthy gums and fresh breath, you may not need to add a mouthwash to your routine.
But if you’re someone who struggles with bad breath, particularly if you develop a coating on your tongue, a tongue scraper and an oxygenating mouthwash could be worth trying.
And if you’re looking for something extra to complement your usual oral hygiene routine, mouthwash can have its place.
Just remember, it’s an addition to good oral hygiene, not a replacement for it.
Oxygenating Mouthwash – Bubbling Mint
Metal Tongue Scraper – Stainless Steel
Ngā mihi,
Laura
Founder, Solid Oral Care
Oral Health Therapist / Dental Hygienist