Braces mouthwash question

Question

My orthodontist said that using mouthwash after brushing would b good since I got braces on.

He said mouthwash that has fluoride is the best.. but I have Listerine and when I checked the medical normal ingredients of it, it didnt have fluroide in it...

Does Listerine still help? or ...

Answer 1

Yes Listerine does still help. Just get some with fluoride in it next time. Also don't get any whitening mouthwash. It would really show when you took your braces off.

Answer 2

Of course Listerine still helps.

There is actually some debate as to whether a mouthwash containing fluoride is really any better that one that doesn't, or if fluoride is really even healthy for you or your teeth, but that is a whole other topic. Asking if a non-fluoride mouthwash will still work is kind of like asking if a car without a sunroof will still function. Just because something may not be the "best" doesn't mean it serves no purpose. Also, most places (in North America at least) have fluoride added to their drinking water already.

Rinsing with water after shouldn't make the mouthwash ineffective, but make sure you have swished for at least 15 seconds before spitting the mouthwash out. You certainly don't need to rinse with water afterwards unless you want to though.

Answer 3

The fluoride rinses like ACT are best

Listerine does not have fluoride.

So....get some ACT fluoride rinse

Answer 4

as long as you keep your teeth clean you don't need the extra fluoride. Fluoride can be toxic and dentists have a bad habit of overexposing their patients to it.

Listerine should be fine

Answer 5

Yes, Listerine is fine.  Your dentist has recommended that you use mouthwash after brushing because it is often difficult to remove fine food particles from the braces, even with good brushing.  What you are after with mouthwash is the mechanical action of swishing, which removes small food particles and the antiseptic action, which Listerine will provide.

Dentists often recommend using a mouthwash with fluoride because braces can increase your risk of developing cavities.  Find out if the tap water in your area is fluoridated.  If it is not, you may want to find a mouthwash with fluoride added.