Should You Rinse After Brushing Your Teeth?

A lot of people rinse their mouth out thoroughly just after brushing their teeth. But is that the best thing to do? Or are you lessening the effectiveness of your toothpaste by rinsing? In this blog post, we’ll answer that question, and review best practices for brushing your teeth.

How to Brush

Let’s start with a quick refresher on what you should be doing at the sink day and night. Because, above all, this is what’s most important to your oral health and the longevity of your teeth. Be sure that you’re brushing for two minutes, every morning when you wake up and in the evening before you go to bed. You should also be flossing once each day. Brush with care and make sure to do so gently, or risk damage to your gums and enamel.

Fluoride

Most dentists will recommend that you incorporate fluoride into your routine, whether it be in your toothpaste, mouthwash, or both. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is known to strengthen the tooth enamel, helping to prevent cavities as a result.

To Rinse or Not to Rinse?

When you’re done brushing, it is always best that you rinse with as little water as possible, if at all. The reason has to do with the fluoride we just discussed. The longer fluoride is able to be in contact with your teeth, the better. Fluoride doesn’t go into effect instantly, so by rinsing after brushing, your rinsing away most of the fluoride, preventing it from having the chance to do its job.

Got More Questions? Ask Us!

Here at Parkside Family Dental, our team strives to educate our patients, helping them keep their teeth in tip-top shape year round. If you have any dental questions, feel free to give us a call and we’ll be happy to give you the answers you need.