For decades, humanity has tried to identify the perfect oral hygiene routine. A bright, clean smile is really important, after all – teeth are one of the first things a person notices when meeting someone new. Plus, consistent and proper oral hygiene is the best cavity and gum disease prevention method!
With this in mind, where does rinsing your mouth with water fit into your routine? Believe it or not, there are some differing opinions on that. Keep reading to dive into the details.
The Logic Behind Rinsing After You Brush
In recent years, the most common method is to brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste, swish water around your mouth to rinse out the excess, then wrap up by flossing between your pearly whites. The idea is that by rinsing after you brush, you avoid ingesting fluoride, which can cause uncomfortable side effects when consumed in excess. It also flushes out the sharp aftertaste of spearmint!
How Fluoride Affects the Equation
The thing about fluoride is that in order to provide the cavity protection that it’s intended for, it has to rest on your teeth, undisturbed, for a certain amount of time. In other words, rinsing your mouth right after brushing actually strips away the benefits of a fluoride toothpaste.
Another point worth noting is that fluoride is only harmful when ingested in very large amounts. The trace amount you might ingest after a good brushing session is unlikely to cause problems for your stomach.
When Should I Rinse?
If you want the most protection for your teeth possible, then it might actually be best not to rinse! Some professionals are recommending that patients simply spit out excess toothpaste and give the fluoride at least 20 minutes to settle in. If you like to swish fluoride mouthwash around your mouth for even more cavity-busting benefits, rinse before you brush instead of after.
Overall, the most important thing is to have a routine in place. Daily oral hygiene has been shown to significantly decrease your risk for harmful dental conditions, so whatever process gets you motivated to keep your teeth clean and pristine is the right method for you!
About the Author
Dr. Renee Corbitt is a highly accomplished and experienced dentist. She’s skilled in a variety of advanced dental treatments, including sleep dentistry. But most of all, Dr. Corbitt takes an active interest in her patients’ oral health and will listen intently to your needs and questions. She’d be happy to help you find the best way to take care of your smile! To contact her office, call 817-294-8821.