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      • Early Orthodontic Treatment
      • Adult Orthodontic Treatment
      • Orthodontics for Teens
      • Retainer Instructions
      • Emergency Care
      • Life with Braces
        • Types of Braces
        • Traditional Braces
        • Clear Aligners
        • Clear Ceramic Braces
    • Dental Implants
      • Implant-Supported Dentures
      • X-Guide Imaging Machine for Dental Implants
    • Pediatric Dentistry
      • Dental Care for Your Baby
      • Thumb Sucking
      • Tooth Decay
      • Cavities
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Pediatric Dental FAQs
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • ICON White Spot Treatment
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      • Teeth Whitening
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        • Invisalign at Parkcrest
        • Teen Invisalign
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      • Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
  • New Patients
    • Tour Our Office
    • Financial Information
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Testimonials
    • Patient Forms
  • Sedation Dentistry
  • Preventive Care
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Brushing & Flossing Tips
    • Orthodontic Dentistry: Brushing & Flossing with Braces
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Radiology
    • General Dentistry & Oral Cancer Screening
    • Sealants at the Parkcrest Dental Group
    • General Dentistry & Fluoride
  • About Us
    • Meet The Team
    • Community Involvement
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • 50th Anniversary
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
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Why Mouthwash Can’t Compete With Brushing

  • January 24, 2019
  • 3:01 pm
  • Dental Care
  • Brushing, Mouthwash, Toothbrush
  • Parkcrest Dental Group

The allure of a quick clean might make you reach for mouthwash, but is it a substitute for the thorough cleaning power of a toothbrush? In this blog, Parkcrest Dental Group breaks down how each contender helps your overall dental health.

Mouthwash

Mouthwash may provide you with an instant breath freshener, but that doesn’t mean that it is doing the job your toothbrush can. When your teeth need a good cleaning, mouthwash simply masks the issue with minty flavor. If your breath is chronically bad, it could be a sign of other issues. Gum disease causes constant bad breath and is a health issue that can impact your entire body. Skipping the toothbrush in favor of mouthwash can lead to worsening gum disease and more serious dental issues. Also, mouthwash containing alcohol can be very bad for teeth.

Toothbrush

There is a reason that people all around the world are daily toothbrushers… it works! Brushing your teeth removes particles that could lead to decay. It also removes bacteria that can cause bad breath. Additionally, brushing consistently can help ward off gum disease! Toothbrushing alone can’t solve all your dental problems, so make sure to schedule regular cleanings and exams!

Contact Parkcrest Today!

If you have been reaching for the mouthwash instead of the toothbrush, contact Parkcrest Dental Group today. We would be happy to get to know your smile and help keep it healthy and beautiful!

Meet Some Dentists in Springfield, MO

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top right) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (center left) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (center right) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom left) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

More to explore

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Braces or Invisalign? What Every Patient Should Know

November 4, 2025

Are braces or Invisalign right for you? Parkcrest Dental Group in Springfield breaks down the differences. Your perfect smile starts here!

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Springfield’s Trusted Dentist for Families, Kids, and Smiles That Last

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Table of Contents Looking for a trusted pediatric dentist in Springfield, MO? Families choose Parkcrest because we make visits positive, educational, and

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