Can I Put Mouthwash In My Electric Flosser?

can i put mouthwash in my electric flosseMiami and Coral Gables, FL

Research has proven that brushing alone is not enough to maintain good oral health. You may think brushing your teeth is all the preventative maintenance you need to protect your teeth, but there is more to it than that. Tooth brushing only removes dental plaque from the surfaces of the teeth that are visible. Ever heard the saying, “Only floss the teeth you want to keep?” There is more truth in this statement than one would think! Although brushing removes less than half of the plaque in the mouth, flossing helps to remove the majority of bacteria and plaque that are left, done so correctly and routinely.

Now, what about flossing? The string type of floss has traditionally been the most effective means of removing bacteria and plaque from between teeth and under the gums. If you were perfect and efficient at using traditional dental floss to clean between your teeth, you could stop reading right here. The truth is, most people do not floss at all or do not floss correctly, leaving bacteria lurking in the mouth. Why not improve your oral hygiene by adding an easy, quick method for removing bacteria from your mouth? Recent inventions of an electric flosser have proven to be an effective measure for removing bacteria from the mouth when used in combination with traditional string floss. Not only do water flossers clean between teeth and under gums, but they also help remove plaque from tooth surfaces that were missed when brushing.

Water flossers operate simply on water, but what about adding mouthwash or other oral rinses to the machine? Each water flossing device will come with instructions for recommended usage, as determined by the manufacturer, and it is typically recommended to use warm water for flossing. However, adding a small amount of mouthwash helps to not only add flavoring to the water but helps to enhance the effectiveness of your oral hygiene regimen. Chlorhexidine and Listerine have been clinically tested for safe use in a water flosser, according to Waterpik, a leading brand water flosser. It is important to note that any time a solution other than water is used in your water flossing machine, make certain you thoroughly rinse the machine after use. This helps to preserve the inner components and longevity of the device. Also, always be sure to consult the dentist for any special rinsing agents that may benefit you specifically.

For more information on oral health and the importance of electronic flossing, please contact us at Miami Designer Smiles. For more than 20 years, Dr. Raul Garcia and Dr. Conchi Sanchez-Garcia have been creating beautiful, healthy smiles for patients. With a combination of their passion for dentistry and a holistic approach, you can be sure you are receiving quality care. Miami Designer Smiles welcomes patients of the Miami and Coral Gables, FL areas.