Toothpaste and Mouthwash – What you Need to Know

Tariq Drabu is the owner of the successful Langley Dental Practice in Middleton and a leading dentist and specialistic oral surgeon. He advises that many people not only don't know how to brush and use mouthwash properly, but they don't know what the label says, they don't understand the products found in the products.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

This is what makes your toothpaste foam when brushing, which gives you the impression the toothpaste is working. What some people may experience is some irritation from the foam. This is something that should be discussed with your dentist so that they can recommend an alternative for you that can reduce the irritation.

Alcohol

Yes, Tariq Drabu has advised that many toothpastes and mouthwashes contain alcohol. This is what gives that slight burning sensation, again making you think the toothpaste or mouthwash is working. The problem with alcohol is that it destroys good bacteria in the mouth.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is effective in cleaning teeth and gums. If your toothpaste has this on the label then there is nothing to be concerned about. TariqDrabu has mentioned that it's not advisable to get rid of your regular toothpaste and use baking soda only, you need all the essential ingredients to kill germs, remove plaque and freshen breath.

Read the label

Tariq Drabu urges patients to read the label on their toothpaste and mouthwash before making a purchase. Identify the ingredients and understand what they are. If in doubt, your dental professional can make recommendations and help you choose the best products to improve your oral health moving forward.

Brushing

He also recommends that patients learn to brush effectively. Your teeth should be brushed twice a day with a good toothpaste. This means putting some toothpaste on the brush and then concentrating on each individual tooth, both inside and out to ensure you remove all the plaque and any food debris, not to mention the dangerous bacteria lurking in your mouth. Tariq Drabu also wants to ensure patients understand that using a toothbrush with worn or frayed bristles will not be effective and will simply move the bacteria around the mouth rather than removing it.

Using mouthwash

Many people don't read the instructions on the mouthwash bottle and simply rinse the liquid around their mouth and believe it has worked. Tariq Drabu mentioned that every mouth wash is different, so read the label to ensure you are using it properly.