Why Use an Antimicrobial Mouthwash After a Scaling and Root Planing?

If you have gum disease problems, then your dentist may have recommended a scaling and root planing treatment. This procedure goes under the gums to remove bacteria, plaque and tartar that is causing the damage.

After the treatment, your dentist will tell you about any special measures you may need to take to look after your gums and teeth. This may include using an antimicrobial mouthwash. How can this kind of mouthwash help, and how should you use it?

The Benefits of Using an Antimicrobial Mouthwash

Antimicrobial mouthwashes help control the amount of bacteria you have in your mouth. They stop it from forming and spreading.

While your dentist has removed the bad stuff that is sitting under your gums, you may still have more bacteria around them than you should. The gums and teeth are also in a more vulnerable state than normal after the procedure until they settle back into place.

You may also find it hard to clean your teeth around your gum line and your gums themselves after this kind of treatment. Your gums may hurt when you brush, and they may even bleed a little. This may make you a little more careful when you brush your teeth.

If you use an antimicrobial mouthwash after a scaling and root planing, you get a couple of benefits. The mouthwash works to keep your mouth cleaner and healthier generally. It also helps cover areas that you may not be able to clean as effectively as usual until your gums are less sore.

How to Use an Antimicrobial Mouthwash

It's important to read the instructions on an antimicrobial mouthwash before you start using it. If you don't follow these instructions, then you may not get all the benefits you need from the mouthwash.

For example, you shouldn't typically use this kind of mouthwash straight after you've brushed your teeth. Any toothpaste left in your mouth may stop the mouthwash from working correctly.

So, you may have to use the mouthwash at a different time of day to the times you brush your teeth. Or, you should wait a while after brushing and then rinse your mouth out with water before you use the mouthwash.

If you aren't sure exactly how to use the mouthwash to get the extra protection your gums need after a scaling and root planing, ask a dentist for advice. They can also recommend suitable mouthwashes to you and let you know how to best use them. .

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