One of the staples that I’ve added to my dental regimen is flossing with an interdental flosser. Not only do I get to use something that’s sustainable and won’t rack up the plastic, but I also maintain a great gumline, less bleeding, better breath, and fewer chances of cavities thanks to some heavy flossing on the daily. My teeth always feel squeaky clean, super healthy, and just fresh in general.

But a different product is what’s got me a bit uncertain if I should still continue to use it: mouthwash. There’s something about mouthwash that makes it seem incredibly simple to use, and I think that’s why most people out there who don’t dedicate their time to dental hygiene are quick to cling to it.

Don’t get me wrong, mouthwash absolutely does your mouth a favor by dislodging food debris that’s stuck between your teeth. But water (and salt water you can make at home) do the same thing for your teeth for free.

I think what draws so many people in is the fresh smell that mouthwash can provide. Not only does the liquid help to make your breath smell like whatever minty flavor it’s advertised as, it also kills bacteria on your tongue which helps to make your breath smell better. The problem with these mouthwashes, however, is that the alcohol can dry out your teeth and gums, which leads to a better breeding ground for bacteria (and even bad breath causing bacteria). Guess what happens after that? Well, your breath stinks again and you’re likely to buy another bottle of mouthwash to help that problem out. It’s basically a self-repeating cycle.

The way to combat all of this is by focusing on the two main things: brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. If you do these diligently, using some mouthwash doesn’t hurt. But don’t use mouthwash as a replacement for flossing or you’ll be sorely disappointed.