It all began with a TikTok video, as most of my wellness inquiries do these days. In this particular TikTok, a dental hygienist, @krystaambruson, shared her morning oral hygiene routine, concluding with an unexpected instruction: do not rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth. The reasoning behind this suggestion, as Ambruson explains, is to avoid washing away the fluoride from your teeth (more on this later). The idea of leaving toothpaste residue in my mouth for the rest of the morning was a bit unsettling to me.
It seems strange to think that the common practice of rinsing after brushing may not be the best for oral hygiene, according to TikTok. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t rinse after brushing. Isn’t that why hotels provide cups in the bathroom? What other misconceptions have we been fed?!
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Seeking answers, I consulted three dentists to delve further beyond TikTok. I asked them if we should really rinse after brushing or flossing, and what other changes we should consider in our dental hygiene routines. It turns out, TikTok might be on to something, so let’s delve into the reasons why.
Should you rinse after brushing your teeth?
Dentists advise against rinsing with water immediately after brushing your teeth. Why? According to cosmetic dentist Dr. Catrise Austin of VIP Smiles, toothpaste contains fluoride, which helps strengthen enamel. “Rinsing right after brushing may wash away the fluoride before it can fully protect your teeth,” says Dr. Austin.
Although rinsing after brushing is a common practice, it’s best to skip this step if you want to maximize the benefits of your oral hygiene routine. Dr. Shahrooz Yazdani of Yazdani Family Dentistry Kanata acknowledges that rinsing may feel refreshing, but advises against it to allow the fluoride to work effectively on your teeth.
Instead of rinsing, simply spit out the excess saliva or toothpaste after brushing and let the residue remain on your teeth. Dr. Jennifer Silver of Macleod Trail Dental suggests refraining from eating or drinking for at least 10 minutes post-brushing to allow the fluoride to take effect.
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If you absolutely can’t resist rinsing after brushing, Dr. Austin recommends using a small amount of water and avoiding vigorous swishing. And if you prefer to use a fluoride rinse post-brushing, Dr. Yazdani suggests brushing, rinsing lightly, and then using the fluoride rinse.
Personally, after watching that TikTok, I decided to forgo rinsing after brushing my teeth. Initially, I found the chalky-slimy residue left by the toothpaste unappealing. Breaking the habit of rinsing, which I’ve done my whole life, was surprisingly difficult, and I found myself instinctively reaching for water a few times before catching myself. However, as I adjusted, the toothpaste aftertaste bothered me less, and spitting without rinsing became second nature. It’s now a regular part of my routine.
Should you rinse after flossing?
Surprisingly, the best time to rinse is after flossing. This helps remove loosened food particles and plaque from between your teeth, according to Dr. Austin. So, make sure to swish around some water and spit after flossing.
Should you floss before or after brushing?
It’s generally recommended to floss before brushing, Dr. Austin advises. Flossing cleans the spaces between your teeth and gums, allowing the fluoride from the toothpaste to reach these areas effectively. This approach maximizes protection against cavities in hidden areas, like between teeth and below the gum line.
The ideal sequence is to floss, rinse with water, brush with fluoride toothpaste, and end with a fluoride rinse if you use one, as suggested by Dr. Yazdani. If you prefer an alcohol-based mouthwash, use it after flossing but before brushing, to prevent removing the fluoride.
In conclusion, floss before brushing and avoid rinsing after brushing for optimal oral hygiene. However, if you have a habit of rinsing, it’s not detrimental to your dental health according to Dr. Yazdani. The key is to brush and floss twice daily and fine-tune your routine for maximum benefits. Your teeth will thank you.
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