What is the Best Mouthwash to Use with Braces and Invisalign?
Whether you have braces or Invisalign®, it’s essential that you’re using mouthwash daily!
Did you know that when you brush your teeth, you only reach 25% of your mouth (Listerine®)? Reaching all of the spaces on your teeth, between your teeth and around your brackets and wires is key to maintaining a healthy smile and experiencing the best results from your treatment.
That’s where mouthwash comes into play! Gargling with mouthwash daily is a simple commitment with major health benefits. Mouthwash helps you eliminate plaque and bacteria, prevent gum disease and cavities, and freshen breath.
So it’s settled; mouthwash is great – but is every mouthwash great? With so many mouthwash options out there, how do you know which mouthwash is best for braces and Invisalign?
Here’s what you need to know!
Can you use mouthwash with braces and Invisalign?
Yes you can and should! Mouthwash will not damage your braces. Your braces are made of high-quality, high-grade materials that won’t rust or corrode.
With Invisalign, you simply remove your clear aligners to brush, floss, and gargle with mouthwash. You don’t have to worry about ingredients harming your clear aligners, because they won’t be in your mouth when you rinse!
The Importance of Using Mouthwash Daily with Braces or Invisalign
When you’re wearing braces, you have plenty of spaces for food particles to wedge themselves, debris to get stuck, and bacteria to grow. Using mouthwash daily helps to remove any particles left behind after brushing and flossing, and kills bacteria growing in hard-to-reach spaces.
Mouthwash is just as important with Invisalign, even though your aligners are removable. Your toothbrush and floss can’t reach every space in your mouth, so a liquid antibacterial rinse is the perfect supplement to your routine.
Cleanse your smile and leave your breath smelling fresh morning and night with mouthwash!
What is the best mouthwash for braces and Invisalign?
It’s best to use an antibacterial, alcohol-free, fluoride mouthwash to clean your mouth, without disrupting your oral microbiome (the natural balance of chemicals in your mouth).
Though alcohol is used in a number of popular mouth rinses, it can actually do more harm than good. Have you experienced that near unbearable burning sensation when gargling mouthwash? That’s the alcohol!
Alcohol is extremely drying/dehydrating and rather harsh on the skin and gums. It’s infamous for disrupting the microbiome, throwing your natural pH out of whack, and worsening common oral conditions, like gingivitis.
- It’s best to avoid alcohol mouthwash.
Fluoride, on the other hand, is beneficial for your teeth and gum health. Fluoride is a mineral that helps to prevent cavities and reverse early stages of gum disease (gingivitis) by strengthening the protective tooth enamel. When you strengthen the enamel, you give your teeth the best chance at protecting themselves against harmful bacteria and plaque.
- Fluoride is essential for strengthening your teeth.
So now we know to avoid alcohol and look for fluoride and antibacterial properties. Let’s explore a few of the best mouthwashes for braces and Invisalign:
- Ortho Defense Anticavity Fluoride Rinse
First up is Colgate Ortho Defense Anticavity Fluoride Rinse. This mouthwash is specially formulated for people undergoing orthodontic treatment, and it checks our criteria boxes: alcohol-free and includes fluoride. Ortho Defense mouthwash is approved by the American Dental Association, helps to remove white spots from the teeth, and strengthens enamel to help prevent cavities. It’s easily one of the best braces mouthwashes available! - ACT Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash
ACT Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash is another highly-effective mouthwash for patients with braces. It includes 0.05% sodium fluoride, which is the max amount of fluoride available in mouthwash form. This braces mouthwash option is alcohol-free, approved by the ADA, and uses fluoride. ACT Anticavity wash supports the teeth in re-mineralizing the softer spots on the teeth that are more susceptible to damage. - Crest Pro-Health Advanced Mouthwash, Multi-Protection
Crest Pro-Health Advanced Mouthwash Alcohol Free Multi-Protection also checks all of our criteria boxes. This specialized mouthwash helps to prevent cavities, kills bad breath germs, strengthens the enamel, includes fluoride and is alcohol-free. With a multi-protection formula that kills 99.9% of germs, this mouthwash leaves you with stronger teeth and fresh breath.
Do you need special mouthwash with braces and Invisalign?
You don’t need a special mouthwash with braces or Invisalign, but it doesn’t hurt to choose mouthwash that was specially formulated for ortho treatment smiles.
While wearing braces, it’s best to avoid mouthwashes that have whitening agents in them. Whitening your teeth with braces on can leave discolored spots on your teeth when your braces are removed. Wait until your treatment is over to whiten your teeth without any brackets or wires in the way.
With Invisalign, you can use mouthwash with whitening properties, as long as it has fluoride, is alcohol-free and is antibacterial!
Still have questions about mouthwash with braces or Invisalign?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! Our team uses the latest technologies, techniques, and materials to ensure that you achieve the best possible results with the greatest esthetics.
We’re here to guide you through your treatment process, from your very first visit, to your last appointment.
If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in Northwest Florida, we’d love to meet you! Request a complimentary exam for you or your child today.
