Daily mouthwash vs. regular dental checkups for keeping your mouth healthy?

Yeah, I get nervous about this too. My kid hates brushing and honestly, I worry that mouthwash makes things seem “clean” when they’re not.

“If anything, it just hides problems for a bit.”

I totally get what you mean about mouthwash just masking stuff. My orthodontist is always on my case about brushing, especially with braces - says mouthwash is “bonus points” but not a replacement. Anyone else notice those “kids’” mouthwashes are neon blue and taste like candy? Makes me wonder if it’s actually helping or just bribing them to swish for 30 seconds... Has anyone’s dentist talked about using fluoride rinses instead of regular mouthwash for kids?

Those neon blue “kids’” mouthwashes always crack me up - my nephew actually calls his “blue candy water.” Honestly, I get why parents go for them, since getting kids to do anything for their teeth can be a battle. But yeah, I’ve heard from a couple of dentists that those sweet-tasting rinses are more about making oral care fun than actually doing much for cavities.

My own dentist did suggest a fluoride rinse for my youngest when he started getting tiny spots on his teeth. The idea was to strengthen the enamel, not just freshen breath. It was a separate thing from the regular “swish and spit” mouthwash you see at the store.

The step-by-step my dentist laid out was: brush well (especially before bed), floss if possible, then use the fluoride rinse last so it can sit on the teeth overnight. He said regular mouthwash is fine for freshening up, but it’s not a substitute for brushing or fluoride if you’re worried about cavities.

Totally hear you on braces too - food gets stuck everywhere, and mouthwash feels like a shortcut, but it just doesn’t cut it. Hang in there, it does get easier with practice.

“my nephew actually calls his ‘blue candy water.’”

Haha, “blue candy water” is spot on. I always wondered if those kid mouthwashes did anything besides turn your tongue blue. Honestly, brushing and flossing seem like way more work for kids (and me, not gonna lie), but I guess that’s where the real action is. My dentist said the same - mouthwash is just a bonus, not a replacement. Still feels weird skipping it sometimes though, like I’m cheating on my routine.

I get what you mean about feeling like you’re skipping a step if you don’t use mouthwash. I always wonder if the type of mouthwash matters - like, does the alcohol-free stuff actually do anything different? Or is it just about fresh breath for a few hours? I’ve also noticed my teeth feel cleaner after a dental checkup than anything I can do at home, so I’m curious if those pro cleanings really make a bigger difference in the long run. Anyone ever had a dentist say mouthwash was essential, not just optional?