Fresh breath and healthy teeth come from good oral hygiene. Mouthwash is an important factor in the equation of healthy teeth. Here are six ways to make your mouthwash more effective.

The use of the liquid oral product mouthwash is used to clean teeth, freshen breath, kill bacteria and whiten teeth. Though, it is only a partner to the main oral health team of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss. Mouthwash is considered a good way to help the tried and true oral care cleaners, but it does not work alone. It can be a cause for concern if it is the only thing used to clean a mouth, because it can block the first signs of some serious oral health conditions like tooth decay, gingivitis, among others.

Originally mouthwash was only used to get rid of halitosis or bad breath. Now with the advances in oral hygiene care options, there is so much more available. The bacteria in your mouth that is the cause of halitosis is a problem that plagues well over half of the population.

There are other health issues that can also cause halitosis, stress, unhealthy diet, tooth rot, etc. Mouthwash is not a cure for those problems. There are benefits to using mouthwash. There is also ways that you can make your mouthwash work more effectively for you.

Most mouthwashes are designed to last around 3 hours. These mouthwashes eliminate the bacteria that cause bad breath. These bacteria break down the protein in your mouth causing bad breath. Therefore if you remove these bacteria, then you remove the bad breath. However, there are a few mouthwash products that only mask the breath. This does not remove the bacteria; therefore it only covers the bad breath for around 30 minutes and is not helping your oral hygiene.

There are simple yet effective tips to making your mouthwash work for you:

1.    Floss then brush your teeth 3 times per day with fluoride toothpaste.
2.    Use the specified amount of mouthwash or mouth rinse. Warm the mouthwash up a little.
3.    Place the mouthwash in your mouth with your lips closed and teeth together, then swish the mouthwash back and forth as hard as you can, so to get between the teeth.
4.    Be sure to do this around 30 seconds, unless instructions state otherwise, and make sure to swish all sides, and back and forth.
5.    Clean your tongue as well as you cleans your teeth. The tongue carries many of the bacteria that are the cause of bad breath.
6.    Use the mouthwash or mouth rinse with fluoride in it.

If the rinse or wash you use has alcohol in it, it may have side affects that will damage the enamel on your teeth, as well as create unnecessary sensitivity to gums and teeth.

Which ever rinse or wash you choose, remember that it is imperative that you maintain your healthy brushing and flossing habits to prevent the damaging decay that will be the cause for tooth loss or gum and bone disease.

Your mouth was will be that much more effective if you follow the steps listed and follow the instructions on your mouthwash.