For years, we’ve been taught to rinse our mouths with water after brushing our teeth, thinking it’s the final step in removing any remaining toothpaste and debris. However, this common habit may actually be doing more harm than good. Rinsing your mouth after brushing can wash away the protective fluoride coating left behind by toothpaste, reducing its ability to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. In fact, dentists and oral health experts are now advising against rinsing after brushing, and here’s why.
Growing up, most of us have had the same routine for brushing our teeth: brush, spit, rinse
A lot of people choose to rinse after brushing their teeth because they don’t want to have any toothpaste left over in their mouths. Some simply do it because they were taught to do so. As common as it is to rinse your mouth after brushing, it may not be the best thing for your teeth, and dental hygiene experts say it isn’t always recommended.
The effects of rinsing after brushing
The active ingredient in most toothpastes is a mineral called fluoride. When you brush, fluoride coats the teeth and protects them against things that cause tooth decay. When you rinse after brushing, you are prematurely washing out the fluoride that is actively working on your teeth. Not rinsing it out with water will allow the fluoride to be effective and provide the greatest benefit.
Flossing before brushing.
Flossing is a dental hygiene practice that involves using a thin, flexible thread or string, called floss, to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria from between teeth and under the gumline, which a toothbrush can’t reach.
The next time you’re brushing your teeth, try switching up your routine. As research has discovered, flossing before brushing has some lasting benefits. Flossing is an effective way to loosen food debris and particles that are stuck between your teeth. After flossing, brush your teeth as usual and try not to rinse with water or use mouthwash. If you do need to use mouthwash, experts suggest you wait at least 10 minutes after brushing to get the full benefits of fluoride from your toothpaste.
Here’s how it works:
- Take a piece of floss (waxed or unwaxed) and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 1-2 inches of floss in between.
- Gently slide the floss between teeth, curving it around the edge of each tooth in a “C” shape.
- Slide the floss up and down against the tooth, using a zig-zag motion, to remove any food particles and plaque.
- Repeat for all teeth, including the back sides of molars.
Flossing helps:
- Remove trapped food and plaque, preventing cavities and gum disease.
- Reduce gingivitis and gum inflammation.
- Prevent bad breath (halitosis).
- Keep teeth and gums healthy.
- Remember to floss at least once a day, preferably before brushing your teeth, for optimal oral hygiene!
The Importance of Fluoride
Fluoride is a crucial ingredient in toothpaste that helps prevent tooth decay and strengthen tooth enamel. When you brush your teeth, the fluoride in the toothpaste leaves a thin layer on your teeth, providing protection against acid attacks and tooth decay. However, when you rinse your mouth with water, you’re essentially washing away this protective layer, reducing its effectiveness.
Steps to ensure good dental hygiene
- Use a soft-bristled brush and try not to brush too many times a day. Twice a day is enough.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or even when you notice the bristles are wearing out.
- Floss at least once a day.
- Keep up with your appointments with the dentist to ensure that your teeth and gums are looking healthy.
- Make sure you use a good toothpaste that contains fluoride.
- Avoid eating or drinking for 10 minutes or more after brushing is done.
- Remember that the most important thing is that you practice good oral hygiene every day.
- What type of toothpaste should I use?
- It’s important to use a toothpaste with the right concentration of fluoride.
- Check the packaging to find out how much fluoride each brand contains.
- Adults should use toothpaste that contains at least 1,350 parts per million (ppm) fluoride.
Children don’t need to use special children’s toothpaste. Children of all ages can use family toothpaste, as long as it contains 1,350 to 1,500ppm fluoride. And, children aged 3 and under who don’t have tooth decay can use a lower-strength children’s toothpaste, but make sure it contains at least 1,000ppm fluoride.
Children under the age of 3 should use just a smear of toothpaste. Children aged 3 to 6 years should use a pea-sized blob of toothpaste. Make sure children don’t lick or eat toothpaste from the tube.
Your dentist may advise you or your child to use a toothpaste with a higher concentration of fluoride, if you need it.
