CarolinasDentist Blog

Does Mouthwash Actually Help Dental Health?

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We encourage all of our patients to be conscientious of their dental hygiene every day by brushing twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing at least once a day. Our team has been asked many times if we also recommend rinsing with a mouthwash after brushing and flossing. So we’ve put together a helpful guide to four potential benefits of choosing a mouthwash that addresses your unique dental needs!

Benefits of Mouthwash

  • Reduce Plaque Buildup & Improve Gum Health

Certain mouthwashes will help combat plaque accumulation and subsequent gum irritation. Untreated gum irritation leads to gum inflammation, or gingivitis. Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, can progress to periodontitis and even advanced periodontitis, causing bad breath, infection, and tooth loss. If you have bleeding gums when you floss or get your teeth cleaned, you may have gingivitis. After brushing and flossing, swish with an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash to help prevent the buildup of plaque and the progression of gum disease. Many anti-plaque/anti-gingivitis mouthwashes contain antimicrobial ingredients like cetylpyridinium, chlorhexidine, and essential oils.

  • Freshen Breath

We all desire fresh breath, particularly after a pungent meal. If you’re looking to quickly tame your dragon breath, mouthwash can effectively kill off an offensive odor, leaving you feeling minty fresh. But it should be noted that although mouthwash can freshen breath temporarily, if you have a prolonged malodor or a chronic bad taste in your mouth, this could be an indicator of tooth decay, gum disease, an underlying medical condition, or even an unhealthy lifestyle habit, like tobacco use. Notify us if you struggle with chronic bad breath so we can help discover its cause!

  • Strengthen Teeth

Rinses that contain fluoride strengthen teeth through remineralization. Incorporating a fluoridated mouthwash would be especially helpful if you have weakened enamel from chronic teeth clenching or acidic dietary choices.

  • Improve Dry Mouth Symptoms

If you have dry mouth, it’s particularly important to avoid using a mouthwash that contains alcohol, which has a drying effect on the mouth. Instead, consider trying out an oral rinse specially formulated to fight the symptoms of dry mouth, such as Colgate® Hydris™ Oral Rinse or Biotène® Dry Mouth Oral Rinse.

Ask Us for Recommendations!

CarolinasDentist can assist you if you need advice on choosing the mouthwash that is best for your smile goals. Each patient is different so we are happy to recommend products that we feel are perfect for your individual needs. Contact us for mouthwash recommendations, to learn additional oral hygiene tips, or to schedule your next checkup.

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Andrew Callender

Andrew Callender

Regional Director of Operations

Andrew Callender was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and serves as one of our Regional Directors of Operations at CarolinasDentist, focusing on our Western NC and Charlotte regions. He joined the leadership team in 2025 and earned his degree from Western Colorado University. Andrew brings over 12 years of experience in dentistry, including more than 10 years of progressive leadership in healthcare operations and three years serving as a Regional Director of Operations. He relocated to North Carolina in 2023 and has quickly made an impact across the region.

Andrew is passionate about delivering outstanding patient care through operational excellence. He is committed to fostering an environment that aligns with CarolinasDentist’s values and culture while leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences to support team success and growth. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. He’s an avid golfer and also enjoys walking his lab, Harper—making the most of his time outdoors with family and fresh air.

Nate Bunyak

Nate Bunyak

Regional Director of Operations

Nate Bunyak brings a little bit of Pittsburgh grit and a whole lot of energy to everything he does. He is one of the Regional Director of Operations at CarolinasDentist focusing on our Triangle region, joining the team in 2026. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Nate graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a degree in Marketing and Management—and has been putting both to work ever since. Three years ago, he traded in steel city winters for North Carolina sunshine—and hasn’t looked back.

When he’s not working, Nate is all about family life with his wife, Melissa, and their three kids—Bryce, Molly, and Connor. Whether cheering on their activities, exploring the outdoors, or simply embracing the joyful chaos of a busy household, he makes the most of every moment with his family.

An avid hiker and nature enthusiast, Nate loves adventures that combine fresh air, beautiful views, and lasting memories. That same adventurous, positive spirit carries into his work—he’s driven, all-in, and always ready to take on what’s next.

Jenna Holland

Jenna Holland

Regional Hygiene Director

Jenna Holland is a Fayetteville native and serves as Regional Hygiene Director, joining the leadership team in 2026. She began her career with CarolinasDentist in June 2016 as a dental hygienist in the Fayetteville office after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Over the years, she has grown within the organization, building strong relationships with both patients and team members while staying rooted in her passion for patient care.

Jenna is deeply committed to promoting overall well-being through oral health and believes in the powerful connection between a healthy smile and a healthy body. In her leadership role, she especially loves mentoring and coaching hygienists, helping them grow in confidence, strengthen their clinical skills, and develop into exceptional providers. She takes pride in supporting her team and fostering an environment of continuous learning and encouragement.

Her best advice for patients is simple: stay consistent with routine check-ups and cleanings to maintain optimal health. Outside of the office, Jenna enjoys traveling—especially to warm, tropical destinations—and is engaged to her high school sweetheart, adding a personal touch to her passion for caring for others.

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