It is the collection of plaque that produces cavities, gum problems, and bad breath.
Plaque sticks the teeth. It can be removed by brushing and flossing teeth thoroughly. However, a mouthwash will not help you in getting rid of the plaque.
Mouthwash cannot be a replacement for traditional ways of brushing with toothpaste. Toothpaste and brushing helps in removing plaque from the teeth which a mouthwash cannot do. Mouthwash can be used to freshen up the breath. Toothpaste and mouthwash together can be used together, but one cannot replace one another.
The fluorides present in both also help to regain minerals which are lost by acid produced by bacteria. Plaque causes bad breath, gum diseases, and cavities and it cannot be removed by mouthwash so toothpaste and brushing are needed for the task.