Gum problems, do you always use a mouth wash?

[citygirl1961]

I have gum problems and have a scale and polish every three months to keep on top of it. My dentist says its not necessary to use mouth wash, its more important to keep on top of brushing and flossing and he says mouthwash just freshens up your mouth and nothing else, yet my hygienist suggests I use Cordysl Daily mouthwash every day yet when I use it I feel it stains my teeth.

Is it really necessary to use a mouthwash or is it just extra expense that's not necessary?

A friend told me her dentist said not to use mouthwashes after brushing teeth - toothpaste contains fluoride and other goodies that remain on your teeth after brushing, and mouthwash washes it all away! Mouthwash should only be used after meals according to her.

Agreed ^ I heard on the radio to use them inbetween brushing, never after.

I also totally recommend the flossing action braun toothbrush head, reversed my gum issues.

You can use hydrogen peroxide solution, I use a 4% solution, mixed with half water. And a waterpik. That seems to help, but I'm curious about dentist advice, waterpik before or after brushing?

Have you tried oil pulling? It's an ancient ayurvedic practice, brilliant for your gums and teeth.

I've always used my Waterpik as advised by my hygienist before brushing.

I've had extensive gum damage due to poor dental work and I never use a mouth wash, never had problems with my gums since surgery.

Corsodyl does stain teeth - it absorbs tannins, according to the hygienist I saw last week. She said to use it for two weeks, and to use the Corsodyl toothpaste because the mouthwash doesn't work with regular toothpaste. And to definitely use it at a different time from brushing.

She then recommended Listerine Gum Treatment for everyday use which does not stain teeth.

I always used to use one (ex dental nurse) but the last time I went to the dentist she told me NOT to use mouthwash.
Do you floss and use interdental brushes every day?
Do you have an electric toothbrush?
My dentist also told me to use Sensodyn toothpaste from now on.
No idea why?

Hellsbells my dentist told me to use Sensodyne as well specifically the blue gel one as I think it doesn't contain SLS.

I think the reason people are being told not to use them is that they contain about 1/4 of the fluoride that is coating your teeth after you've brushed with toothpaste. So you're just washing away the good stuff from your toothpaste.

I think that when it comes to gums, flossing is key, and that's what I've always been told. I have similar rubbish gums and mouthwash has never improved them.

Oh, and an electric toothbrush is an essential!

Xylitol - google it and the word gum. It's available from health stores often.

We are moving away from mouthwashes as although some can be effective, they get rid of 'good' bacteria as well as 'bad'.
Clean in between the teeth with floss or little brushes. Then use an electric toothbrush especially around the gum line.
You are aiming to get rid of all the bacteria by brushing 2 x daily. If your gums bleed with gentle brushing, keep going, nature's way of telling you. If you do have gum issues, be a bit obsessive and remove all the bacteria gently but thoroughly. Keep seeing the hygienist regularly.
Hope this helps!

Thanks for your replies. I do use Sensodyne toothpaste, the dental brushes and an electric toothbrush. I used to use the stronger Cordysl just when my gums were playing up really bad but not all the time, would it be worth just going to back to that? This daily mouthwash isn't doing much at all.

I use regular Corsodyl mouthwash most days when I remember. I use it in between brushing rather than straight after