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When to Rinse Your Mouth for the Most Effective Clean

Posted on 7/26/2021 by Evan

You are probably used to rinsing your mouth with water right after brushing your teeth. Maybe you even take this step of your oral care routine to the next level by swishing with mouthwash as well. Today's blog will examine the arguments for and against rinsing your mouth after brushing, and explain some other times when you should rinse your mouth.

Advantages of Rinsing After You Brush

Obviously, rinsing your mouth with water after brushing your teeth removes all the toothpaste from your mouth, leaving your whole mouth feeling clean and fresh.

Rinsing after you brush gets rid of all the plaque, bacteria, and food debris that were loosened during brushing. Otherwise, these substances can linger on your teeth and contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.

Disadvantages of Rinsing After You Brush

The main reason some people say not to rinse with water right after brushing your teeth is because water can dilute fluoride, an ingredient found in all ADA-approved toothpaste that helps strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. If you spit out your toothpaste after brushing but do not rinse, some fluoride will remain on your teeth and continue to do its job of strengthening your enamel. Mouthwash can also wash away the fluoride from your toothpaste.

So, When Should You Rinse?

There is not enough research to definitively prove if rinsing with water after brushing is a good or bad habit. Ultimately, brushing for two minutes twice a day is enough time to remove the loosened off bacterial plaque and food debris as well. Whether or not you rinse with water afterwards comes down to your personal preference. You may also apply prescription strength fluoride paste to your teeth to make it harder to get cavities. Rinsing your mouth with water is also a good way to dilute acids after consuming beverages like coffee or soda, and can help keep your mouth clean between brushings. Call our office to learn more.

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Nancy Shiba, DDS

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Dental Blog • Nancy Shiba, DDS
Nancy Shiba, DDS, 125 N Jackson Ave, Suite 103, San Jose, CA 95116-1914 ^ (669) 306-7669 ^ nancyshibadds.com ^ 10/7/2024