Mouthwash = floss?

So, we've all seen the commercials for mouthwash products that state they clean-up what brushing and flossing leaves behind. My question is, could one just brush and use germ-killing mouthwash and skip flossing? I'm honestly curious.

Answer:
wouldn't that be nice! while mouthwash does help to fight gum disease, it can not replace flossing. the abrasion from the floss between your teeth is key to removing plaque. swishing mouthwash just isn't forceful enough to do this. i have personally noticed that my gums tend to bleed more when i floss after a few weeks of not flossing. something about flossing daily keeps the gums nice and tough and also helps fight bad breath (brushing your tongue really helps breath too).
on the back of listerine it says do not use in place of floss. so i guess if you if were in a hurry or something just useing mouthwash would be ok, but I think you should floss ,brush and use germ killing mouthwash daily
No. Mouthwash can't replace flossing.
You still need to floss. There are certain places that your toothbrush and mouthwash can't get to.
i dont think so. there is stuff that gets between your teeth that i dont think a brush or mouthwash could dislodge
Absolutely not. Flossing gets the plaque and bacteria that lie between the teeth. Without floss, bacteria and plaque could stay between our teeth for days. Of course mouthwash is good, and it may kill some of the bacteria but the worse food particles are removed by floss. I suggest flossing at least once daily to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
No, you have to floss. That's what keeps the dental hygenist from having to scrape too much during your cleaning. In fact, my hygenist told me honestly that she did not even beleive in mouthwash. Doesn't really think it has much of an affect other than freshening your breath temporarily.
Mouthwash is NOT a substitute for flossing. Flossing is very important. Brush and flossing must be done for proper oral health. One who does not floss or brush will run into oral problems like gingivitis or even periodontal disease which could result in tooth or teeth loss. You have to rememeber that your oral cavity has many different types of bacteria some good and some bad...you need to maintain balance. Mouthrinses can't "kill" bacteria...impossible, and why would you rinse something that would "kill" bacteria...it would probably kill you. Bacteria in your mouth is not always bad...some forms of bacteria helps you. Remember, always floss and there is no such thing as "germ-killing" mouthwash...if someone does advertise a "germ-killing" that is false advertisment.
Well, brushing your teeth is better than nothing, but flossing your teeth actually cleans them better. Mouth rinse will just wash away what you pull off with the floss . Of course doing all three is the best!!
NO, you can't. Sounds good though, doesn't it-- to think that all you have to do is swish with some mouthwash and you're done?? But no, it definitely doesn't take the place of flossing!

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