Wait, what? Should you not rinse after brushing your teeth?

Brush your teeth, spit out, and then rinse – that’s the oral hygiene drill most of us follow each morning (and also at night). But what if we told you that you have been doing this basic, everyday task all wrong?

According to several viral videos on the internet, you should completely avoid rinsing after brushing your teeth. Why? The clips claim that the fluoride present in toothpaste does not get enough time to do its job – strengthening your enamel. Is the claim true, or is it just some bizarre information being circulated online to win ‘views’ and ‘shares’? We asked dentists.

Surprise, surprise! It turns out that what these viral Reels suggest is correct. Dentists agree that one should avoid rinsing with water after brushing their teeth.

“Do not rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after brushing. This applies both after you brush and after you use mouthwash. If you rinse, you wash away the fluoride, and it cannot work its magic to prevent cavities or decay. Fluoride is most effective when it stays on your teeth for an extended time,” says Dr Raghavendra B R, dentist at Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Bengaluru.

Dentists suggest spitting out the excess toothpaste and waiting for 20–30 minutes before drinking water.

“Or, if one feels the need to rinse their mouth immediately after brushing their teeth, then using a fluoride mouth rinse can also work,” says Dr Suman Yadav, head of the maxillofacial and dental department at Numed Hospital, Noida.

Fluoride, a mineral, protects enamel from the acid produced in the mouth by bacteria, thereby preventing cavities. It essentially reduces tooth decay and also protects against plaque build-up.

“When the fluoride in toothpaste comes in contact with enamel, it integrates into the crystal structure and forms a mineral called fluorapatite, providing protection from acid attacks. Not only that, but it also promotes remineralisation by encouraging calcium and phosphate ions, which create a new surface on the teeth, making them acid-resistant,” explains Dr Bhargav K H, consultant paediatric dentist, maxillofacial and dental surgery at SPARSH Hospital, Bengaluru.

Dentists hail fluoride as an important toothpaste ingredient. However, children and those diagnosed with dental fluorosis (a condition involving white spots or discolouration of the teeth) should avoid using fluoride-containing toothpastes.

Even children, who may accidentally swallow toothpaste while brushing their teeth, are advised to use fluoride-free toothpastes.

You do not need to follow the no-rinse rule when using fluoride-free toothpaste. Though gaining prominence, dentists do not recommend using toothpastes that do not contain this mineral. Non-fluoride toothpastes contain ingredients like xylitol (a natural sugar alcohol present in several fruits and vegetables).

“The main drawback is that it does not provide the same level of protection against tooth decay as fluoride toothpaste. For general oral health, fluoride toothpaste is often the better option,” says Dr Raghavendra.

Dr Bhargav agrees and adds: “Fluoride-free toothpaste does not protect the teeth from plaque and cavities as much as fluoride toothpaste does.”

Meanwhile, here are a few basic oral hygiene tips for a healthy smile:

- Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled brush. Brush in a circular motion so that all tooth surfaces are cleaned.

- Flossing is a great habit to add to your daily routine. You can use traditional floss or opt for a water flosser to clean between your teeth and remove plaque and food particles from areas that brushing alone cannot reach.

- Keep yourself hydrated and limit your consumption of sugar and acidic foods, as they can lead to tooth decay.

- Experts suggest using an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria and freshen your breath. Make sure to choose one that is free of alcohol.

• Smoking or using tobacco products is detrimental to overall health, including oral health. It increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. And who wants those nicotine stains on their teeth? So, try to quit smoking.

Source: India Today