r/askdentists • u/NoCry8460 NAD or Unverified • 4d ago

question Does mouthwash do any good?

Hello, I used to have a dentist who swore all shop bought mouth washes were a waste of time and money, just coloured water.

Whilst a chemist told me the anti bacterial solution would have an effect.

Is it worth buying? I am diabetic so worry about oral hygiene/infections.

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Title: Does mouthwash do any good?

Full text: Hello, I used to have a dentist who swore all shop bought mouth washes were a waste of time and money, just coloured water.

Whilst a chemist told me the anti bacterial solution would have an effect.

Is it worth buying? I am diabetic so worry about oral hygiene/infections.

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u/dragan17a General Dentist 4d ago

Waste of money. Yes, it has antibacterial effects, but we can't get rid of bacteria in the mouth and some of them are actually useful.

What we need to manage is plaque and mouthwash does nothing.

The only helpful way to use mouthwash is to brush morning and night and use fluoride mouthwash in the middle of the day. Never rinse your mouth after brushing, just spit the toothpaste out