Regular oral hygiene is a foundational pillar of maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile. But oral hygiene isn’t always so cut-and-dry, and sometimes we have questions about how to properly care for our teeth. One question that comes up often is whether or not you’re supposed to rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth: are you meant to rinse out all of that excess toothpaste, or is it better to just leave it be? Here’s what your dentist in Orange Park wants you to know about rinsing after brushing and why you should maybe consider reevaluating your own habit.
Is It Okay to Rinse After Brushing My Teeth?
There’s no true yes or no answer here, but ideally, you want to give the fluoride in your toothpaste a chance to sit on your teeth for a few minutes, to fully maximize its potential. Fluoride plays an important role in keeping your teeth healthy and white; this naturally occurring mineral is found in many of the foods you eat and is also often added to drinking water. Fluoride re-mineralizes your enamel, helping to safeguard your teeth from decay—so giving it time to be in direct contact with your teeth is preferable.
That said, if you’re rinsing out your mouth immediately after brushing, you’re washing away the ingredient that is meant to help you! Even using a mouthwash after brushing can still wash away much of the heavily concentrated fluoride from your toothpaste. The U.K.’s Oral Health Foundation recommends that instead of rinsing your mouth after brushing, simply spit out any excess toothpaste or saliva. They also recommend waiting at least 10 minutes before eating or drinking anything.
However, if you can’t resist the urge to rinse your mouth after brushing, don’t fret! There are still some benefits to the habit including:
- It emulates your mouth’s natural flow of saliva, which helps to wash away excess bacteria that remains after brushing.
- It greatly reduces the risk of swallowing excess toothpaste.
- It lessens the intensity and aftertaste of some cleaning products.
Are There Any Risks to Not Rinsing After Brushing?
Even though it’s considered safe to skip rinsing after brushing, you should still be aware of the side effects linked with ingesting fluoride. Most oral hygiene products contain fluoride levels meant for adults, so a larger risk exists when children ingest it—but this small amount is usually harmless. That said, the following symptoms can sometimes occur:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- TMJ disorders
- Fluorosis
There is no rule or general consensus in the dental community about rinsing after brushing; while there are certain advantages to it, it can still lessen the positive effects that fluoride can provide for your teeth. That said, knowing the pros and cons of the habit can help you make an informed decision that prioritizes your oral well-being.
About the Practice
The team at Crovatto & Edwards Family Dentistry proudly serves patients and families in the Orange Park area under the leadership of Dr. Steven Crovatto and Dr. Megan Edwards. Their practice is pleased to offer many available services including several preventive dentistry options. If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Crovatto or Dr. Edwards, feel free to visit the practice’s website or give them a call at (904) 272-0800.