Question 1

can someone tell me if mouthwash is more effective before or after brushing your teeth?

Accepted Answer

No difference: The bacteria destroying aspects of mouthwash would be similar in effectiveness before or after brushing.

Question 2

is there a recommended order for brushing your teeth, using mouthwash, and flosing?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Brush to remove the main debris where your brush can reach. Floss to clean in between and where your brush cannot reach. Rinse to complete the process. You might also add in the waterpik after brushing to " powerwash" your teeth. Good question.

Question 3

do i have to brush teeth even after only drinking whatever kind of fluids? my point is, i didn't chew anything, so can't i just mouthwash and be done?

Accepted Answer

When to brush: Brush in the morning when you get up and before you go to bed = 2 times.  Then in addition it is best and optional to brush about 1/2 hour after eating even with only a brush and water (no toothpaste here is ok).  Mouthwash never replaces brushing as it cannot properly dislodge the debris.

Question 4

my mom is in an alf with dementia, and will not brush teeth, but she will swish mouthwash twice daily. although not the best, is this ok oral hygiene?

Accepted Answer

Ideal oral hygeine: Ideally, she would do flossing, brushing and swishing during the day.  Sometimes it is important to have someone do this for us.  Some of the dental providers may wish to comment.

Having someone brush your teeth is very upsetting.  Perhaps it makes sense for her to do what is comfortable, maintain self-care activities that she can, and continue to see the dentist, if possible.

Question 5

brush teeth 2-3times/day, use mouthwash occasionally but do sometimes have bad breath, especially when mouth is dry. i still take enough fluids. help!

Accepted Answer

Gingivitis: Bad breath can be a sign that you already have, gum disease. The bacteria and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless toxic “plaque” on teeth causing the gums to become inflamed and to easily bleed. This is a serious problem, which should be checked professionally by a dentist. The good news is that this condition is curable. Call your dentist today!

Question 6

i brush my teeth and use mouthwash 3 times a day. am i going to get fluorosis?

Accepted Answer

NO: Fluorosis can only occur while teeth are still forming, unerupted, under the gum (prior to age 6).  It can not happen once a tooth has erupted into your mouth.  As an adult you do not have to worry about this.

Question 7

i brush my teeth, then i floss, then i use mouthwash. does the order really matter?

Accepted Answer

Somewhat: You can either brush or floss first, use the mouthwash last.

Question 8

i brush my teeth 2-4 times a day, floss 1-3 times a day and i normally don't use mouthwash. is that okay?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely: Really, that's all you need to do.  A mouthwash won't help you.  Good work.  Tv might lead you to believe a mouthwash is necessary, but it's not.

Question 9

need some dental expertise! i brush my teeth twice a day, and i even use mouthwash, so why do i have cavities?

Accepted Answer

Cavities: Preventing cavities requires proper brushing and flossing after meals as well as avoiding foods that are sticky, starchy and have high concentrations of acids and unrefined sugars. Other factors such as GI problems, food impaction, etc. May play a role as well. If you want to find out how to prevent getting cavities, see a dentist who can evaluate your particular situation and causes.

Question 10

i brush my teeth twice a day and use mouthwash and use floss i noticed i have a black area that appears to be on the molar tooth cant eat tough foods.

Accepted Answer

See your dentist: Even with flossing and brushing, sometimes cavities can still develop. Best to see your dentist for evaluation.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Can I brush my teeth with mouthwash

A member asked:

Can someone tell me if mouthwash is more effective before or after brushing your teeth?

A member asked:

Is there a recommended order for brushing your teeth, using mouthwash, and flosing?

A member asked:

Do i have to brush teeth even after only drinking whatever kind of fluids? my point is, i didn't chew anything, so can't i just mouthwash and be done?

A member asked:

My mom is in an alf with dementia, and will not brush teeth, but she will swish mouthwash twice daily. although not the best, is this ok oral hygiene?

A member asked:

Brush teeth 2-3times/day, use mouthwash occasionally but do sometimes have bad breath, especially when mouth is dry. i still take enough fluids. help!

A member asked:

I brush my teeth and use mouthwash 3 times a day. am i going to get fluorosis?

A member asked:

I brush my teeth, then i floss, then i use mouthwash. does the order really matter?

A member asked:

I brush my teeth 2-4 times a day, floss 1-3 times a day and i normally don't use mouthwash. is that okay?

A member asked:

Need some dental expertise! i brush my teeth twice a day, and i even use mouthwash, so why do i have cavities?

A member asked:

I brush my teeth twice a day and use mouthwash and use floss i noticed i have a black area that appears to be on the molar tooth cant eat tough foods.

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?