Rinse and spit: mouthwash is easy, right? Think it or not, using mouthwash is a little bit more complex than that. (But once you get down the steps, it really isn’t tricky at all.) We’ve put together a few instructions to assist you in getting the most out of your mouthwash-swishing sessions.

Utilized appropriately, mouthwash can be a tough part of any dental hygiene routine. To use mouthwash, dispense about 20 ml of the liquid into a cup. Pour the mouthwash from the cup into your mouth and swish, gargle, or hold it in your mouth for around half of a minute before spitting it out. Do not flush out the mouthwash with water, and refrain from consuming food or drinking for 30 minutes following your rinsing with mouthwash.

A few people believe that rinsing with mouthwash is a shortcut to a completely clean mouth, but that’s not really the whole story. Even though mouthwash can help you strengthen your oral health, brushing two times a day and flossing one time per day are still crucial habits central to any great dental hygiene routine. Never miss brushing your and flossing your teeth and gums.

Are you using mouthwash correctly? We hope this post has been enlightening for you. To schedule your next visit with Dr. James Kinsel at the Clearlake, California, office of Clear Lake Dental & Associates, give us a call at 707-994-9414 now. We’ll get you squared away quickly.