• Call Us 417-887-1220
  • Make An Appointment
  • Visit Us
  • 417-887-1220
  • Make An Appointment
  • Dental Services
    • General Dentistry
      • Gum Disease
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Fillings
      • Root Canals
      • Dental FAQs
    • Orthodontics
      • Two-Phase Treatment
      • Early Orthodontic Treatment with Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Adult Orthodontic Treatment by Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Orthodontics for Teens
      • Retainer Instructions
      • Emergency Care
      • Life with Braces
        • Types of Braces
        • Traditional Braces
        • Clear Aligners
        • Clear Ceramic Braces
    • Dental Implants
    • Pediatric Dentistry
      • Dental Care for Your Baby
      • Thumb Sucking
      • Tooth Decay
      • Cavities
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Pediatric Dental FAQs
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Botox in Springfield, Missouri
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Invisalign
        • Invisalign at Parkcrest
        • Teen Invisalign
      • Bridges
      • Crowns
      • Veneers
      • Dentures
      • 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
    • Meet Dr. Scott
    • Meet Dr. Ropka
    • Meet Dr. Harrison
    • Meet Dr. Hall
    • Meet Dr. Fannin
    • Meet Dr. Dills
    • Meet Dr. Sponenberg
    • Meet Dr. Snider
    • Meet Dr. Allie
    • Community Involvement
    • What Sets Us Apart
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
    • Braces
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Dental
    • Dental Care
    • Dental Education
    • Dental Implants
    • Dental Products
    • FAQ
    • Floss
    • Pediatric
    • Teeth Whitening
Menu
  • Dental Services
    • General Dentistry
      • Gum Disease
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Fillings
      • Root Canals
      • Dental FAQs
    • Orthodontics
      • Two-Phase Treatment
      • Early Orthodontic Treatment with Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Adult Orthodontic Treatment by Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Orthodontics for Teens
      • Retainer Instructions
      • Emergency Care
      • Life with Braces
        • Types of Braces
        • Traditional Braces
        • Clear Aligners
        • Clear Ceramic Braces
    • Dental Implants
    • Pediatric Dentistry
      • Dental Care for Your Baby
      • Thumb Sucking
      • Tooth Decay
      • Cavities
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Pediatric Dental FAQs
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Botox in Springfield, Missouri
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Invisalign
        • Invisalign at Parkcrest
        • Teen Invisalign
      • Bridges
      • Crowns
      • Veneers
      • Dentures
      • 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
    • Meet Dr. Scott
    • Meet Dr. Ropka
    • Meet Dr. Harrison
    • Meet Dr. Hall
    • Meet Dr. Fannin
    • Meet Dr. Dills
    • Meet Dr. Sponenberg
    • Meet Dr. Snider
    • Meet Dr. Allie
    • Community Involvement
    • What Sets Us Apart
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
    • Braces
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Dental
    • Dental Care
    • Dental Education
    • Dental Implants
    • Dental Products
    • FAQ
    • Floss
    • Pediatric
    • Teeth Whitening

How Mouthwash Works to Neutralize Enamel-Eating Acid as Part of Dental Care

  • November 10, 2020
  • 3:44 pm
  • FAQ
  • Dental Care, how mouthwash works, Mouthwash, Oral Hygiene, Parkcrest Dental Group

Mouthwash is a vital part of oral hygiene, to go along with regular brushing and flossing every day. Not all mouthwashes are created equal. You need a mouthrinse that’s accepted by the American Dental Association and has the seal of acceptance on the product label. Then you need to follow the instructions on the label. 

In today’s blog from Parkcrest Dental Group, we discuss how mouthwash works to neutralize enamel-eating acid as part of a regular dental care routine.

Related Post: The Many Varieties of Mouthwash

How Acid Forms in Your Mouth

Enamel-eating acid forms in your mouth through a process called glycolysis. Bacteria in your mouth use the sugar found in foods as a source of energy. The byproduct of this process creates acid in your mouth. This isn’t a powerful acid that will burn you. Instead, this acid gradually seeps into your teeth and causes plaque, tooth decay, and cavities if you don’t take care of your oral hygiene with regular dental care.

How Mouthwash Neutralizes Acid

Mouthwashes typically contain a substance that’s the opposite of an acid, called a base or an alkaline substance. One common base found in over-the-counter mouthwashes is alcohol. You might see the word “antiseptic” on the label with alcohol-based rinses. Baking soda also creates a basic environment. Fluoride is another popular option to make your mouth more alkaline.

When an alkaline substance meets an acid, it neutralizes the substance and brings your mouth more in line with where it should be naturally. Saliva is slightly acidic, but not brushing after eating makes your mouth even more acidic. Your mouth’s pH should be as close to neutral as possible.

How to Use Mouthwash Properly

Mouthwash is simple, easy to use, and works well with your dental care routine.

1. Brush and floss first. We can’t stress this enough. If you use fluoride toothpaste, wait an hour before using mouthwash. Mouthwash can wash away the beneficial fluoride.

2. Pour the mouthwash into a cup, usually 1 to 2 tablespoons’ worth. Many mouthwash containers have marked lids for dosing purposes.

3. Rinse your mouth for 30 seconds. Swish the mouthwash all around your mouth to reach every possible crevice, tooth, and area of your mouth. Do NOT swallow it. Consider setting a timer or counting to 30 to get the full benefits.

4. Spit out the mouthwash into the sink. Don’t follow the rinse with water because that will dilute the mouthwash that’s left on your teeth. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating.

Related Post: What Are the Actual Benefits of Mouthwash?

More Dental Care Tips From Parkcrest Dental Group

The friendly, compassionate staff at Parkcrest Dental Group can give you more tips and tricks for oral hygiene and dental care. Contact Parkcrest Dental Group or call (417) 887-1220 and we’ll answer your questions!

Meet Some Dentists in Springfield, MO

Some of the doctors at Parkcrest Dental Group

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 center) 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 (top right) 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 (bottom left) 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 center) 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

Are Fillings Necessary for Baby Teeth?

March 2, 2023

In some instances, yes, our pediatric dentist may recommend fillings for your child, even for teeth that will fall out eventually, to

Gummy vitamins for kids spilling out on a table

Gummy Vitamins & Your Child’s Oral Health

February 2, 2023

Gummy vitamins are soaring in popularity. They’re a $6 billion industry, expected to grow to nearly $9.5 billion by 2028. Parents love

Baby Chewing on a Teething Toy

Teething FAQs

January 5, 2023

Your baby has been crying more lately, and is a bit fussy. As a parent, you notice these things. What could be

Archives
Search
Categories
  • Braces (62)
  • Cosmetic Dentistry (32)
  • Dental (19)
  • Dental Care (146)
  • Dental Education (178)
  • Dental Implants (13)
  • Dental Products (65)
  • FAQ (162)
  • Floss (12)
  • Pediatric (73)
  • Teeth Whitening (29)
Previous
Next

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • 540 W Lasalle St, Springfield, MO 65807
  • (417) 887-1220
  • Follow Us:
  • Dental FAQs
  • Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
  • Pediatric Dental FAQs
  • Privacy Practices

Web Design: BigPxl