Is it okay to use Liserence Mouth Wash even if you haven't brushed your teeth? ?

Question

On the directions, it says to brush teeth before using, but I don't know if that really matters? Also, is it okay to use at night if your to tired to tired to brush your teeth, can you use it and will it help prevent cavities? Thanks

Answer 1

i'm a dental hygienist.  first of all what the heck kind of mouthwash are you talking aobut?  never heard of that one.  secondly, no freaking mouthwash won't prevent cavities.  cavities are caused from plaque.  mouthwash does not remove plaque.  mouthwash does'nt do anything really but make your mouth burn for a few seconds.  brush your dern teeth and floss.  end of story.  no shortcuts allowed.

Answer 2

it's ok to use without brushing your teeth like if you want to freshen your breath. However, using it at night in place of brushing your teeth is not particularly wise as it fails to remove the plaque and food between teeth that brushing does, which is a better form of cavity prevention. Your best bet would be to use it after your brush your teeth, especially at night because then it continues working while you sleep.

Answer 3

You can definitely use it without brushing your teeth, although some of the effectiveness will be lost.

By brushing your teeth you are breaking up plaque and "gunk" which is the source of food of the bacteria which cause cavities.  Listerine is effective at killing some of the bacteria, however the plaque/food particles still need to be removed with a brush or floss.

If you brush first, then a good part of the food for the bacteria has been removed.  Then, you can kill a good part of the bacteria with the Listerine.

Answer 4

If you are in a hurry then i think its alright but if you have enough time to brush your teeth then you should  

Answer 5

yupp,

it just adds to it if you brush,

that can be good if your in a hurry.

I've done it before =]

Answer 6

You mean Listerine Mouth wash? Yes you can use it if you cant brush your teeth, but How can you be so tired that you cant brush your teeth?  

Answer 7

Imquite sure it wouldn't hurt anything just because you haven't brushed your teeth. It's also good to use at night, because it kills germs that build up in your mouth overnight.  

Answer 8

Brushing your teeth before using makes the mouthwash more effective.  Brushing gets rid of the large bacteria colonies and food particles, and the mouthwash takes care of the stragglers.

Answer 9

No Way! Listerine does not remove the plaque that builds on your teeth and this is what combines with the acids in your mouth to create cavities. Listerine is an awesome tool when combined with proper brushing, but never a substitute. It definitely kills germs and helps prevent gum disease, and you should follow up with it. There is no substitute for brushing, and nighttime brushing is the most important. It is only 2 minutes, but it will save you a lot of money on fillings and crowns in the future. You should be flossing too! I have worked at a dental office for a long time and I hear people everyday who wish that they had only brushed better. It is such a small sacrifice with a huge payout! I promise! Just ask your dentist at your next checkup and wait for that lecture. LOL Hope this helps.

Answer 10

it wont kill you to use it without brushing, but it doesnt help if your teeth are covered in grime, it doesnt just wash it away, so i suggest both.

Answer 11

you have to brush your teeth for it to be most effective.  You want to get the bacteria off as much as you can before you swish around the mouthwash.  Plaque doesn't come off as easy without a brush so anything under the very surface will still be bacteria sitting on your teeth.  Listerine alone is better than nothing though.

Answer 12

LOGIC wise if are desperate it  isALWAYS better than nothing at all, it kills germs(supposedly), and smells good compared to bad breath.

Answer 13

It is fine to use it before.. its just recommended to use after wards. Also at night it will help fight off the germs, but may not reach the plague your toothbrush could.

Answer 14

yeap, I always use it without brushing my teeth.

and when I do brush my teeth, I use the mouthwash first to soften the plauq on my teeth, and then I brush.

Answer 15

you can do it without but brushing helps