Do you want a better smile? Do not rinse after brushing your teeth

When you have finished brushing, do you rinse your mouth? If so, it’s probably because it’s been in you since childhood. I rinsed my mouth thoroughly after brushing my teeth to get rid of the toothpaste taste, as you probably do. But what if I told you that all you get from doing so is reducing the effectiveness of your toothpaste?

In an interview with Edmond Hewlettconsumer advisor for the American Dental Association and professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry, I learned exactly why I shouldn’t rinse after brushing my teeth. By leaving the toothpaste in my mouth longer, the fluoride can better protect against tooth decay and gum disease. Read on to find out why it is best to skip rinsing after brushing and get more tips on how to optimize your dental care.

Why you should stop rinsing with water after brushing your teeth

Fluoride is an important ingredient in toothpaste that makes your tooth enamel harder and more resistant to acids that cause cavities. Hewlett says this is the best known effective ingredient in toothpaste, so make sure yours contains fluoride.

When you brush your teeth, you remove any deposits and bacteria from foods and sugary drinks. If you go one step further and skip rinsing, you allow the fluoride from the toothpaste to remain in your mouth longer, giving you a better effect of the fluoride.

After brushing, wait at least 15 minutes before drinking water. After you brush your teeth, Hewlett explains, your saliva will remove the toothpaste so you won’t taste it all day.

What if you always rinsed after brushing your teeth?

If you just heard this tip, you might think you’ve undone all the hard work of daily brushing. That’s not true. Hewlett says that as long as you brush the standard twice a day for two minutes, the fluoride will stay in your mouth to help protect your teeth.

You’re still doing what you need to do to have good oral health and protect your teeth. Not rinsing is just an extra step to make the fluoride even more effective.

“If you measure a person’s fluoride level in their saliva, and if he or she doesn’t rinse, there is more fluoride,” Hewlett said. However, it is not a waste of time if you rinse. He said research is still being done to determine what difference it makes in the long term to prevent cavities.

Your own dental health also plays a role

There are different levels of risk for getting cavities per person, Hewlett said. “If you don’t normally get cavities, you should continue to use fluoride toothpaste. The decision whether or not to rinse after brushing probably won’t make a difference.”

On the other hand, not rinsing is probably a better decision for those who suffer from cavities. Additionally, you should get help from your dentist to figure out why you’re getting cavities regularly. For example, it could be your eating habits, snacking on sugary foods or not brushing your teeth regularly. If you are at higher risk for cavities, you should do everything you can to help prevent them.

What about using mouthwash after brushing?

Most mouthwashes contain less fluoride then toothpaste, that is rinse with mouthwash Immediately after brushing you can rinse away the concentrated fluoride from your teeth. Instead, use mouthwash at a different time, such as after lunch or with coffee.

More tips to improve your teeth brushing

Here are some additional tips to maintain your oral health.

• Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush and never medium or hard. Hewlett said anything but gentle can increase the risk of gum recession.
• It doesn’t matter whether you floss before or after brushing your teeth, as long as you floss once a day to remove plaque and stuck-on food.
• You don’t have to brush your teeth aggressively to get them clean. While scrubbing your dishes with extra force can make them extra clean, it’s not necessary for your teeth and can lead to gum recession.
• Gently brush along the gum line with a soft brush to help prevent gum disease.
• Always consult your dentist for personal advice. They understand what your oral health profile looks like.