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Should You Rinse Immediately After Brushing?

Posted on 8/20/2019 by Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS

It is normal to follow a routine when it comes to brushing your teeth. A good routine can help you get the most out of this daily habit. The problem that some may have is they follow a brushing routine that is not the best for their oral health.

They brush their teeth with toothpaste and immediately rinse their mouth out. They may wonder if this is the right way to do it, but if it is part of their routine, they do it anyway. This is why they should take some time to think about this routine.

The Reason to Rinse

If you ask people why they rinse out their mouth after brushing, they will talk about the need to remove any leftover toothpaste in their mouth. They may claim that rinsing also helps remove any debris that the brushing loosened. It would seem to make sense that rinsing after brushing can help with these things. That does not mean they are a good reason to rinse your mouth out after brushing.

Why Not to Rinse
While there are reasons to rinse after brushing, there are also reasons not to rinse. One of the most important things to consider is the use of fluoride. The fluoride in the toothpaste is a key part of your oral health. It is a mineral that can help rebuild the enamel of the teeth and can help strengthen the teeth. If you rinse right after brushing, you are removing that fluoride from the teeth. That means you don't get the benefits you deserve from the fluoride.

There are ways around this dilemma. It is important to retain the fluoride from the toothpaste. If you must rinse, it is best to wait before doing it. You should also use as little water as possible. You can also make a fluoride slurry with a little of the toothpaste mixed in with the water. These are some of the alternatives to rinsing right after brushing.

For more information about this or any other oral health issue, contact our office to schedule an appointment.

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