Rinsing after you brush may not always be the best idea.
One of the most frequently asked questions regarding oral care is whether or not you should rinse after brushing your teeth. Understandably, since there is a lot of conflicting advice on this topic. Let’s take a closer look at the arguments for and against rinsing after you brush.
Argument 1 – You Shouldn’t Rinse After Brushing
Many people overlook the fact that rinsing with water after they brush flushes away the fluoride that’s beneficial to your teeth. Furthermore, the majority of people brush for less than a minute, meaning the fluoride isn’t given much time to have an effect on your teeth. The fluoride will have more time to help protect your teeth if you don’t rinse. Therefore, not rinsing will achieve healthier, cleaner teeth that are less cavity prone.
Argument 2 – You Should Rinse After Brushing
People who do rinse after they brush will usually tell you one of two things. First, that ingesting toothpaste will harm your stomach and cause irritation. And second, that you must rinse out after brushing in order to remove all the bacteria that came off your teeth while brushing.
The Science Behind Rinsing and Brushing
The most important thing is just to brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Studies do seem to suggest that less is more when it comes to rinsing. In a small study from the International Dental Journal, rinsing once after brushing retained a great amount of fluoride than rinsing three times. The temperature of the water when you rinse does not matter unless you have a sensitivity.
One thing you can do is rinse your mouth with a toothpaste “slurry” by mixing a little bit of water with some toothpaste. Another option is to rinse with a fluoride rinse after you brush. That said, parents should supervise young children when they brush to ensure they are using the proper amount of toothpaste. Swallowing too much fluoride can cause fluorosis in developing teeth.
Professional Dental Care from Annapolis Dental Care
If you want to schedule your next visit, please contact Annapolis Family Dental Care by calling (410) 267-0766 or visit AnnapolisDentalCare.com today! We can give you more information, or schedule your appointment. Our diligent knowledge of all dental treatments and extensive experience in all fields of dentistry, ensure Annapolis Dental is best suited to care for your oral health. You can also follow Annapolis Dental Care on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.