When it comes to regular dental care, you probably know the basics: brush your teeth twice daily and floss at least once daily. However, where do mouth rinses fit in this picture? After all, many people (perhaps even you) rinse their mouths with water after finishing the toothbrushing process. Is this good for your oral health, or is it something you should avoid? To learn the answer, read this summary of mouth rinsing’s effects on dental hygiene by your Raleigh dentist.
Positive Effects, or ‘The Case for Rinsing’
First of all, a post-brushing rinse often feels natural. Sensing leftover toothpaste in one’s mouth is sometimes unpleasant. Plus, not rinsing leaves you with an aftertaste that you’d rather replace with something neutral. In other words, the practice fulfills a bodily urge.
Rinsing could also prevent harmful health risks. Namely, you’re more likely to ingest too much fluoride from toothpaste if you don’t. This excess could then cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Negative Effects, or ‘The Case Against Rinsing’
On the other hand, rinsing right after brushing could undo the latter’s benefits. The fluoride in toothpaste works best when it stays on your teeth for several minutes. Swishing and spitting water from your mouth would remove that mineral before it could boost your oral health.
This negative impact could also apply to rinses with mouthwash. Even if the brand you use has fluoride, toothpaste has more concentrated forms. Rinsing with mouthwash straight after brushing may wash away this more concentrated type.
What’s the Right Choice?
There isn’t a hard rule among dentists on whether or not to rinse; it ultimately depends on your situation. For instance, if you’re prone to tooth decay, you may want to skip rinsing so that your teeth have a fluoride coating. Meanwhile, rinsing could be good if you want to remove plaque after flossing.
Whatever you end up choosing, just remember to practice proper oral hygiene every day. That means brushing, flossing, and getting dental checkups regularly.
If you’re still curious or concerned about mouth rinses, get the opinion of your local dentist. They’ll be glad to offer you help!
About the Practice
Dr. Christine Laster is a dentist based in Raleigh, NC, having earned her dental doctorate from UNC Chapel Hill’s School of Dentistry. Her specialties are preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatments. However, she also has training in pediatric dentistry that left her capable of helping even the youngest patients. Dr. Laster currently practices at Rensch and Laster: Family & Cosmetic Dentistry and can be reached at her website or by phone at (919)-787-0355.