Should You Be Rinsing Your Mouth With Water After Brushing?

The question of whether or not you should rinse after brushing really depends on your preference. Whilst there have been studies on the impact of rinsing, the results only indicate that there might be an advantage of one over the other.

However, the unfortunate truth is that many people are carrying out their daily oral hygiene routines incorrectly, which could be damaging their teeth and leading them to have a variety of issues later down the road.

Argument On Why You Should Rinse Your Mouth

The reason why there is contention in the first place is because of the main ingredient that is present in your toothpaste: fluoride. The reason that dentists tell you to brush for two minutes is so that it gives the toothpaste and the fluoride enough time to work properly.

However, the vast majority of people don’t spend the full two minutes brushing their teeth, which means that when they rinse, they are also rinsing away the fluoride before it has been given enough time to clean their teeth effectively.

As you know, once you have brushed your teeth, your mouth is usually pretty foamy and full of toothpaste. Once you spit it out, you can still taste the fluoride in your mouth, which is not exactly the most pleasant of experiences.

How Long Should You Wait to Rinse After Brushing?

If you want to be on the safe side, then you should wait at least twenty minutes before rinsing your mouth after brushing. This gives the fluoride more time to work, which means you have a better chance at cleaning them and preventing tooth decay.

Should you rinse after brushing teeth using mouthwash or just water? Once again, this all depends. However, if you are going to use mouthwash, then it’s best to wait a little bit longer before rinsing.

Argument On Why You Shouldn’t Rinse Your Mouth Out With Water

If you do not rinse your teeth, then it gives the fluoride more chance to get to work at cleaning your teeth and gums, which means that you will have better oral hygiene and prevent the unwanted build-up of plaque.

Can I use mouthwash after wisdom tooth extraction, and should you rinse after brushing teeth in these instances? In short, you should probably avoid rinsing as often in these circumstances as you want to keep your mouth as clean as possible so it can heal correctly. Of course, it is important to rinse sometimes, but don’t overdo it.

Takeaway

So, do you rinse after brushing? After reading this article, you may want to rethink your brushing habits by waiting to rinse your teeth for a few minutes so that you can make sure you leave ample time for the fluoride to do its job. By now, most dentists are pretty clear when asked the question, “are you supposed to rinse after brushing?” And that answer is…no.

You can also ask your dentist for more advice – you can contact us and we’ll be happy to assist in any way we can.