Menu
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet the Doctors
      • Dr. Ronald L. Receveur
      • Dr. Bradley Frederick
    • See Dr. Ron On TV
    • Get Dr. Ron’s Book
  • Solutions We Offer
    • All-In-One-Place™
    • Do I Need Bone Grafting?
    • IV Sedation
    • The One Day Smile Solution
    • All-On-4 Zirconium Bridges
  • Patient Testimonials
    • Smile Gallery
  • Out of Town Guests
    • Considering Traveling?
  • Contact Us
    • Our Warranty & Financing Options
    • GreenSky Patient Financing
    • New Patient Forms
  • Blog
  • Search
MENU
Call Today888-469-3982 Request an Appointment
819 Mt. Tabor Road, New Albany, IN 47150
Call Today888-469-3982 Request an Appointment
819 Mt. Tabor Road, New Albany, IN 47150
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet the Doctors
      • Dr. Ronald L. Receveur
      • Dr. Bradley Frederick
    • See Dr. Ron On TV
    • Get Dr. Ron’s Book
  • Solutions We Offer
    • All-In-One-Place™
    • Do I Need Bone Grafting?
    • IV Sedation
    • The One Day Smile Solution
    • All-On-4 Zirconium Bridges
  • Patient Testimonials
    • Smile Gallery
  • Out of Town Guests
    • Considering Traveling?
  • Contact Us
    • Our Warranty & Financing Options
    • GreenSky Patient Financing
    • New Patient Forms
  • Blog
  • Search
Home > Blog > Can Mouthwash Help Prevent Gum Disease?

Can Mouthwash Help Prevent Gum Disease?

June 21, 2015

Gum disease is one of the biggest concerns among our patients these days, and with good reason. Gum disease is not only painful and unsightly, it has a drastic effect on your health and can even lead to tooth loss.

At New Albany Implants, we know that the best way to treat gum disease is prevent it, and nothing will help you prevent gum disease more than a healthy home dental care routine.

Regular brushing and flossing will keep your teeth and gums clear of the plaque and bacteria that causes gum disease. Adding mouthwash to this routine can be beneficial as long as you choose the right kind of mouthwash. Not all mouthwashes have the active ingredients necessary to combat gum the causes of gum disease or to treat the irritation and bleeding that often comes with it. Despite whatever claims they might make, some mouthwashes are only concerned with freshening your breath, while other contain ingredients that will actually kill germs and help protect your oral health.

Active Ingredients In Mouthwash

Since what is in mouthwash can vary from brand to brand, make sure to read the label to find out what the active ingredients are.

Chlorhexidine – This chemical is the most effective at fighting plaque and killing bacteria. The antibacterial properties of chlorhexidine has been shown to have an immediate effect on the bacteria that cause tooth decay, killing it instantly. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that treat the red, swollen gums that accompany gum disease.

One downside to using a mouthwash containing chlorhexidine is that prolonged and repeated use has been shown to leave brown stains on your teeth. However, some newer mouthwash mixtures have been designed to combat this effect.

Cetylpyridinium – This is the active ingredient in Scope, and it has some antibacterial fight capabilities, but not nearly as much as chlorhexidine. Cetylpyridinium is more effective at fight halitosis, or bad breath, than it is a fighting gum disease, which is great if that is your concern, but if the main reason you are using mouthwash is to fight gum disease, then this is not the best choice.

Hydrogen peroxide – The foaming action of hydrogen peroxide is very effective at physically removing debris from your teeth. It also fights bacteria, but hydrogen peroxide is usually only used as a short term treatment to oral health problems, since prolonged use can have a variety of negative side effects.

Alcohol – Though usually not used as an active ingredient, many mouthwashes use alcohol as a carrier for flavoring, or to give their mouthwash a little extra kick so you can feel it working. The problem is alcohol does little to nothing to prevent you from developing gum disease, and what’s worse, alcohol will actually exacerbate the symptoms of even a mild instanceof gum disease. So if fighting gum disease is your primary concern, then you should avoid any mouthwash containing alcohol.

Mouthwash Is Not a Substitute for Brushing and Flossing

Mouthwash is only truly effective if it is used as a part of a healthy oral home care routine. Brushing and flossing physically loosens and removes the food particles that feed bacteria, as well as the bacteria itself, it will also get rid of the dental plaque that is a key contributor to the ravages of gum disease. Rinsing with water and mouthwash, will flush all the loose debris and plaque out of your mouth, help guard against tooth decay and gum disease.

One thing to be aware of, though, is that the ingredients of many popular toothpastes have a neutralizing effect on chlorhexidine, so if you are using this kind of mouthwash, rinse with water after brushing and flossing, and then follow up with mouthwash 30 minutes later.

We Can Help

Healthy gums are important for your oral health, and gum disease could be an obstacle for getting dental implants. So if you are concerned about the health of your gums, come see us in our Southern Indiana office.

Here at New Albany Implants, we will examine your gums and help you decide what treatment is best, if any, to make sure your are healthy enough for implants.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Find Out How to Get New Teeth For Life in One Day!
Find Out How to Get New Teeth For Life in One Day!

Discover what you need to know to get your smile back in as little as one day... Without running around to several offices or doctors!

What Our Patients are Saying

S. S. (Verified Patient) | Feb 04, 2023
5
They worked very hard to make me feel comfortable through the entire procedure.

They worked very hard to make me feel comfortable through the entire procedure.

B. H. (Verified Patient) | Dec 31, 2022
5

J. L. (Verified Patient) | Dec 07, 2022
5
I’m the type of person that is scared of the dentist have been my whole...
Read More

I’m the type of person that is scared of the dentist have been my whole life. I scheduled consultation with Dr Ron and he answered all my questions and more. He and his staff are great they made me feel comfortable the whole time. They used sedation for my implant procedure and it was the best decision I have ever made!! I had zero pain whatsoever. The best thing is that they have gave me the ability to smile again and to be happy. Thank you to everyone at New Albany Implants. I recommend them to anyone needing dental implants.

V. M. (Verified Patient) | Oct 26, 2022
5
Amazing experience. If anyone is anxious about seeing a dentist I can assure you don’t...
Read More

Amazing experience. If anyone is anxious about seeing a dentist I can assure you don’t have to be with Dr. Receveur. My only regret is not having it done sooner. His staff is pretty awesome too.

V. B. (Verified Patient) | Oct 13, 2022
5
Great staff!!!! Great work!!! I love this place!

Great staff!!!! Great work!!! I love this place!

V. M. (Verified Patient) | Oct 11, 2022
5
Everyone that I have come in contact with at Dr. Receveur's office has been very...
Read More

Everyone that I have come in contact with at Dr. Receveur's office has been very kind, professional and very knowledgeable. From Jean, Denise, reception and Dr. Receveur himself. They also keep in great communication, which helps out a lot and is highly appreciated. I highly recommend and look forward to my next visit. Thanks!

J. D. (Verified Patient) | Oct 06, 2022
5

M. S. (Verified Patient) | Oct 04, 2022
5
Great experience, Dr Receiver explained everything I felt very comfortable with him and confident in...
Read More

Great experience, Dr Receiver explained everything I felt very comfortable with him and confident in what he would would be able to do for me

J. O. (Verified Patient) | Sep 24, 2022
5
I recently had implants put in by Dr. Receveur. I was scheduled to have sedation...
Read More

I recently had implants put in by Dr. Receveur. I was scheduled to have sedation that morning, but wasn't able to due to my sugar issues from diabetes. He assured me he would keep me comfortable so I agreed to go ahead with the procedure. He did just that, he kept me comfortable as promised and I didn't feel a thing. During the procedure he also talked to me the whole time explaining what he was doing, which also helped ease my anxiety. The entire staff there are so nice and informative, they can answer any questions you may have. All I can say is to anyone that is hesitant to have this procedure done, I honestly wish I would have had this done a long time ago! Dr. Receveur and his staff are AMAZING, and I would recommend them to anyone in a heartbeat!

A. S. (Verified Patient) | Sep 23, 2022
5
Best dental practice you can get.

Best dental practice you can get.

Read Our Patient Testimonials
Rate Us
Call Today to Make an Appointment 888-469-3982 Request an Appointment
819 Mt. Tabor Road, New Albany, IN 47150
  • Mon: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Fri: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sat: Closed
  • Sun: Closed
888-469-3982 Request an Appointment

Locations

819 Mt. Tabor Road, New Albany, IN 47150

Office Hours

  • Monday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed

Latest Blog Articles

IV Sedation Dentistry Makes New Smiles Easier

If you have ever been stressed, then someone has probably said to you, “try to relax.”  It’s also something ...

Read More
Why Graftless Implants Are Right for You

Don’t assume that you need a bone graft if you want dental implants.  Consider Dr. Ron Receveur’s  ...

Read More
888-469-3982 Request an Appointment

Locations

819 Mt. Tabor Road, New Albany, IN 47150

Office Hours

  • Monday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed

Latest Blog Articles

IV Sedation Dentistry Makes New Smiles Easier

If you have ever been stressed, then someone has probably said to you, “try to relax.”  It’s also something ...

Read More
Why Graftless Implants Are Right for You

Don’t assume that you need a bone graft if you want dental implants.  Consider Dr. Ron Receveur’s  ...

Read More
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Solutions We Offer
  • Patient Testimonials
  • Out of Town Guests
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Site Index

© 2023 Dr. Ronald Receveur | All Rights Reserved |Privacy & ADA Accessibility Guide|HIPAA Privacy Policy|Sitemap

*Results May Vary By Individuals