A great way to keep your mouth healthy is by following a good dental routine. It may have already been drilled into you that you should brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once. This is to help keep your smile strong, but do you rinse your mouth after you finish brushing? It may be a habit, but it might not be the best choice for your oral health. Keep reading to learn more about why.
Should I Rinse After I Brush My Teeth?
If you rinse right after you brush, then you may not be getting the full benefits of your dental hygiene routine. You likely use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps keep your smile strong and prevents any cavities. It does this by sitting on your enamel to remineralize and strengthen it, but it takes a short while for you to get the full benefits.
It might be hard for you not to swish some water after brushing, but you can try to reduce how much toothpaste you use. Instead of putting a glob as big as your toothbrush head, use a pea-sized amount. Doing this can also be helpful in reducing how much you accidentally swallow.
When Can I Rinse?
While it’s not the best to rinse right away, it doesn’t mean that you can’t at all. Try to wait at least 10 minutes and don’t eat or drink during this time either. It might also be helpful to try switching your routine! Start with flossing, then rinsing your mouth. This will help you get rid of plaque and bacteria that are between your teeth. That way, when you finish brushing, you don’t have anything left to do that will get rid of the fluoride on your smile.
Can I Use Mouthwash Instead?
The answer to this question depends on the type of mouthwash you have. If it doesn’t have any enamel-building ingredients or contains alcohol, then waiting 20 minutes can be beneficial. Mouthwash that has fluoride can keep the levels of it elevated in your mouth, but it doesn’t hurt to wait just a bit beforehand.
When it comes to protecting your smile, it may be best not to rinse right away after brushing. You should get the full benefits of the routine that you stay consistent with! That way, your grin stays strong, healthy, and free of problems.
About the Author
Dr. Michael O’Brien earned his dental degree from the University of Las Vegas Nevada School of Dental Medicine. He wants to give the Tulsa community a healthy set of teeth that stay pristine. By going to Dr. O’Brien for your routine cleanings and checkups, he will help ensure your smile is strong and give you personalized advice on how you can improve your at-home dental care. If it’s time for your next checkup, schedule an appointment or call (918) 477-9000.