After years of being told to rinse and spit, Americans are now being advised to skip the swish altogether following their daily brushing routine. Dental professionals are challenging the long-held belief that rinsing after brushing is necessary, instead recommending that people simply spit.
Brittany Seymour, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association and professor at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, emphasizes that brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day is sufficient for maintaining oral health. The key, however, lies in not rinsing after brushing.
Rinsing immediately after brushing can wash away the fluoride left on your teeth, which is the active ingredient that helps prevent cavities. As Margherita Fontana, a professor at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, explained to the Washington Post, “When you rinse, you are basically rinsing away the active ingredients of the toothpaste that you just put on your teeth.”
For those who feel the need to rinse, experts suggest waiting at least 20 minutes after brushing before doing so. Alternatively, they recommend using a fluoride-containing mouthwash, which can help maintain the benefits of the fluoride toothpaste.
A 1999 study involving over 2,800 teenagers in England found that those who rinsed less frequently after brushing had fewer cavities and less tooth decay compared to those who rinsed thoroughly. The study also indicated that individuals with healthier teeth, particularly those with a low-sugar diet, may not need to be as concerned about rinsing.
Dr. Fontana noted that leaving the extra fluoride in your mouth could be particularly beneficial for individuals with a higher risk of dental issues, such as those who consume more sugar.
For children, the amount of fluoride toothpaste should be carefully monitored. Children under three should use only a rice-grain-sized smear of toothpaste, while those aged 3 to 6 should use a pea-sized amount. Pediatric dentist Scott Cashion advises that children should spit out the toothpaste but avoid rinsing, as the fluoride left on their teeth will help protect them overnight.
Additionally, excessive water intake throughout the day may be detrimental to dental health. Dr. Ellie Phillips, a Texas-based dentist, highlighted in a TikTok video the importance of saliva for tooth health. Saliva is rich in minerals, immune cells, and proteins that help protect teeth and gums. Drinking too much water can dilute saliva, reducing its protective effects. According to WebMD, saliva is essential for protecting tooth enamel and preventing tooth decay.
In short, for optimal oral health, dental professionals recommend brushing, spitting, and avoiding the rinse.
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