Why Is My Dentist Asking Me to Rinse Before My Appointment?

A wide variety of new infection control protocols have been put in place at your dentist’s office to safeguard your health during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, everyone needs to do their part to keep the entire office safe. That’s why you’ll be asked to follow a few extra precautions at your next appointment. Find out why your Love Field dentist may request that you use a special mouthwash before your appointment and how it works to keep you and your dental team safe.

What Is an Antimicrobial Mouthwash?

While the oral rinse your dentist is asking you to use may look very similar to an over-the-counter mouthwash, it’s much more powerful. Most store-bought products are antiseptic, while this mouthwash is antimicrobial. The American Dental Association defines the two very differently:

• Antiseptic mouthwashes use a combination of alcohol, fluoride, and other antiseptic ingredients to clear away bacteria and minimize the risk of infection.
• Antimicrobial mouthwashes are designed to combat serious oral health issues by killing or inactivating dangerous fungi, bacteria, parasites, and viruses in the mouth with specialized components.

Will Using an Antimicrobial Mouthwash Burn?

If you find using store-bought mouthwash uncomfortable to use because of the burning sensation it can cause, you may be nervous about using an antimicrobial oral rinse. However, you can rest assured that even though it’s more powerful, it won’t cause more discomfort. Antimicrobial mouthwashes typically don’t contain alcohol, which is what causes the burning feeling in other products. Instead, they use activated chlorine dioxide to comfortably clean your mouth. If you are still nervous, feel free to bring your concerns to your dentist before your treatment.

Does Antimicrobial Mouthwash Kill COVID-19?

Antimicrobial mouthwashes were not designed to fight off COVID-19. They are most commonly used to treat a variety of serious oral issues or infections like gum disease. While antimicrobial mouthwashes have been shown to fight off some viruses, they have neither been tested nor recommended for use against the novel coronavirus. However, reducing any dangerous particles in your mouth is a worthwhile precaution that can keep you and your dental team healthier during your appointment.

Should I Use Antiseptic Mouthwash to Prevent COVID-19?

It’s important to remember that the best ways to protect yourself from COVID-19 are to practice social distancing and regular hand washing. Researchers are unsure what, if any, effect antiseptic mouthwash has on the coronavirus. However, these products can keep your mouth healthy by eliminating 99% of bacteria that causes plaque and gingivitis, which in turn promotes a strong immune system.

The COVID-19 pandemic may have changed what your routine dental appointments look like, but it hasn’t changed your dentist’s commitment to your wellbeing. If you need to visit them for care, you can rest assured knowing that they are taking every precaution to keep you and your smile as healthy as possible.

About the Practice

At Bear Creek Family Dentistry in Love Field, TX, nothing is more important than the health and safety of our patients. Our highly experienced dental team has been monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic closely and adjusting our ambitious infection control protocols accordingly. Alongside the sanitation standards set forth by the CDC that we have always met, we have established several new precautions for routine appointments as well. To learn more about what to expect for your next visit, feel free to contact us via our website or at (214) 350-5333.