Mouthwash — A Helpful Addition, Not a Replacement
For most adults, a fluoride or antimicrobial mouthwash can complement brushing and flossing. It is not, however, a substitute for mechanical cleaning. Rinsing alone cannot remove dental biofilm (plaque), which must be physically disrupted by brushing and interdental cleaning.
Always choose an alcohol-free mouthwash. Alcohol-based rinses dry out the oral tissues and reduce saliva flow — the opposite of what a healthy mouth needs.
Use mouthwash at a separate time from brushing — not directly afterwards. Rinsing immediately after brushing removes the fluoride your toothpaste has just deposited on your teeth, before it has had time to strengthen them. Using it midday or between meals works well for most people.