Wondering how to phrase this correctly and shortly…
Firstly, I started using a bacterial mouthwash a few years back (namely Listerine) to try and cut down on tartar. At the time, I had never had a cavity before. So I used the mouthwash, but when I first came to college and found my resources limited, I forgoed mouthwash for about a month and a half to two months, while at the same time going a year (not just 6 months) between going to my dentist. When I finally went to the dentist, BAM, 2 cavities at once!!
So I’ve given this some thought, especially after hearing in my biology class that “there are more bacteria living in your mouth than people who have ever lived.” With that in mind, is it possible that through the influence antibacterial mouthwash, I’ve essentially weeded out the weak bacteria, and used natural selection to effectively addict myself to Listerine? And if so, why would a dentist want me to use a product that, after a few months usage, doesnt do anything but perpetuate it’s usage (kinda like taking the same amount of an addictive drug, it stops having an effect after a while)?
thanks,
john spain
Miami, FL.