You have probably heard about the things you should do to prevent gum disease: brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once every 24 hours, and be sure to have your teeth professionally cleaned at least every 6 months. Still, even with all these practices, some people can find themselves losing the battle against gum disease. If this is your situation, you'll be happy to know there is another thing you can do: regularly use a quality oral rinse.
Gum Disease Factors
To understand how an oral rinse can help you, first you need to understand how gum disease develops. As the bacteria that live in your mouth digest their food sources, they release compounds that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Fortunately, saliva is a natural protective compound that helps rinse away these harmful compounds. This is why people with a naturally dry mouth will find themselves more prone to gum disease: without a liquid to help wash out the mouth, the bacteria (and their byproducts) sits in the oral cavity causing issues with decay and gingivitis.
Oral Rinses and Gum Disease
Fortunately, if you have low saliva levels, there are things you can do to help fight off gum disease. One of the best things you can do is use a quality oral rinse on a regular basis. A good oral rinse will help wash out your mouth. This will reduce the levels of bacteria in your mouth, helping keep things healthy. Further, the oral rinse can help disinfect pockets of infection that may develop. This is especially important in terms of reaching the small spaces between your teeth where bacteria can collect. Depending on the oral rinse you choose, you may need to use it a few times throughout the day. Read the label, and follow the directions. Your mouth will be healthier for it.