system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
Can a mouthwash be a good substitute for brushing (see 
details)?

Let's make it a bit tighter. Consider this: If I use some all-in-one Listerene twice a day and brush my teeth two or three times a week, would I be okay with it?
gpt
Dental plaque is what's known as a biofilm. It is a large group of bacteria (generally multiple species) that create an extracellular matrix (ECM). This ECM has a protective effect on the bacteria contained inside. Mouthwash can only kill the bacteria not contained in the biofilm, any cells inside of the ECM are not even touched by the mouthwash and thus are still alive. Brushing is needed to remove the biofilm and then mouthwash can be used to kill the rest of the bacteria.