In addition to visiting your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings, you need to brush your teeth at least two times a day in order to maintain a healthy smile. When you finish brushing, you may be in the habit of rinsing your mouth with water, but is this really the best choice you could be making for your oral health? Here’s a look at what rinsing after brushing really does.
Why Do So Many People Rinse After Brushing Their Teeth?
Many people learn to rinse after brushing at a young age. The practice arose in part as a way to prevent the inadvertent ingestion of fluoride, which is not meant to be swallowed in large quantities. Additionally, some individuals find that rinsing their mouths helps get rid of the minty taste that tends to linger after brushing their teeth.
Should You Rinse After Brushing Your Teeth?
The fact of the matter is that rinsing immediately after brushing your teeth could actually make your oral hygiene routine less beneficial. The fluoride in toothpaste can help strengthen your teeth and make them more resistant to decay. However, in order to get the full benefits of fluoride, you need to leave it sitting on your enamel for several minutes. If you rinse your mouth right away, you’ll get rid of the fluoride before it has the chance to do its job.
When Is It Okay to Rinse Your Mouth After Brushing Your Teeth?
Ideally, you should avoid rinsing your mouth (or eating and drinking) for at least 30 minutes after brushing. That way, the fluoride can remain on your teeth longer.
To reduce the temptation to rinse after brushing, it may be a good idea to reduce the amount of toothpaste you use. This will result in there being less toothpaste to swallow by accident once you’re done brushing. For most people, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is sufficient for cleaning their smiles.
What About Rinsing Before Brushing?
Rinsing your mouth before you brush your teeth could potentially go a long way toward fighting harmful oral bacteria that you might not be able to reach with your toothbrush. To that end, it’s a good idea to rinse with water that has been mixed with a small amount of salt. You may also want to consider rinsing with a mouthwash that contains fluoride; this can help ensure that the fluoride levels in your mouth stay elevated once you’re done with your oral hygiene routine.
In summary, if you want to get the most out of brushing your teeth, it may be a good idea to refrain from rinsing afterward. Don’t forget that you can always speak to your dentist during your next preventive appointment to see if they have any suggestions for ways you can improve your oral hygiene routine.
About the Author
Dr. Dan Greenwood has operated Greenwood Dental in Sagamore Hills since 1998. He is currently a member of the Cleveland Dental Society, the American Dental Association, and the Ohio Dental Association. He’s always happy to offer his patients advice for taking better care of their smiles during their biannual checkups and cleanings. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Greenwood, visit his website or call (330) 467-2522.