Is using a mouth wash like Listerine as effective as flossing for dental hygiene?

Ruby72251

No. The following taken from Amer. Dental Assoc. site - http://www.ada.org/public/index.asp "Flossing Recommended for Good Oral Health Care: While some study results indicate the use of a mouth rinse can be as effective as flossing for reducing plaque between the teeth, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing twice a day and cleaning between the teeth with floss or interdental cleaners once each day to remove plaque from all tooth surfaces. Plaque is responsible for both tooth decay and gum disease. Regarding the studies, the authors concluded that in patients with mild to moderate gingivitis (early gum disease), rinsing twice a day with the antiseptic mouth rinse was as effective as flossing for reducing plaque and gingivitis between the teeth. The studies did not examine whether the mouth rinse had the same effect as floss on reducing tooth decay or periodontitis (advanced gum disease). Flossing and interdental cleaners also help remove food debris caught between teeth that may not be rinsed away." Jun 26 04, 6:20 PM

in my opinion

No. Brushing and flossing are recommended for oral hygiene ... whereas using an alcohol based mouthwash may have unpleasant side effects ... such as destroying beneficial oral flora. Nevertheless the gingiva can be damaged by incorrect technique and if pain persists, you've got a toothache. http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Dental%20hygiene Jun 26 04, 6:33 PM