Buzz
The basics of dental care are widely accepted and understood: brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, limit sugary snacks and drinks... but don't rinse your mouth after brushing? That's a new one.
Honestly, this was news to us, and it left us a little shocked. The idea of not washing away the minty freshness and foam that fills your mouth, and instead letting the residue linger on your teeth, just felt... wrong somehow.
However, according to the Oral Health Foundation and the National Health Service of the UK, it's actually a good idea. Your teeth won’t decay and fall out if you skip rinsing, but there are valid reasons to ditch the rinsing habit.
Why we should 'spit, don't rinse'
A 2016 survey by the Oral Health Foundation, a UK-based charity focused on oral health, discovered that over 62% of people rinse after brushing, though this habit could increase the risk of tooth decay. Dr. Nigel Carter, CEO of the organization, stated that rinsing after brushing is 'very bad' because it 'washes away the protective fluoride left behind by brushing.'
Carter emphasized the crucial role of fluoride, explaining that it not only strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay, but it also reduces the acid produced by bacteria on your teeth. By spitting out the toothpaste and refraining from rinsing with water, you ensure that the fluoride stays on your teeth and continues to protect them.
The study also found that 14% of participants rinse with mouthwash right after brushing—a habit we should also avoid—since most store-bought mouthwashes contain less fluoride than toothpaste. (A side note: The study also revealed that people who rinse are more likely to leave the faucet running while brushing, wasting an average of 3 gallons of water each time and 2,300 gallons per person, per year. That's a lot!)
Although research on this topic is limited, a 2012 paper in the British Dental Journal found 'some evidence' suggesting that rinsing, especially with a large volume of water, might reduce the preventive effect of fluoride toothpaste. While acknowledging that the evidence is not extensive, the study concluded that 'rinsing with water after brushing with fluoride toothpaste can diminish its benefits'—recommending we 'avoid rinsing with water or excessive rinsing with water.'
The case for rinsing
But what about rinsing not just to remove excess toothpaste, but also to clear out any leftover food particles in your mouth? (And to avoid swallowing toothpaste, which could cause stomach discomfort or, in large amounts, potential intestinal blockage.) Dr. Michaela Tozzi explained to Science Times that there’s some merit to this argument, citing 'bacteria in the toothpaste after brushing.' Also, some people simply prefer the feeling of rinsing. (Interestingly, the American Dental Association has not made any official statement on the matter.)
The conclusion
Although rinsing after brushing is not a surefire cause of tooth decay, if you want to maximize the benefits of your toothpaste, it might be worth leaving it on your teeth a little longer. (Especially considering that we’re advised to brush for two minutes each time, which, let's be honest, doesn't always happen.)
According to Pennsylvania's Noll Family Dentistry, it ultimately comes down to personal choice, but factors like your overall dental health and tendency to get cavities should influence your decision. 'If your teeth are prone to chipping, cracking, or breaking, or if you eat a lot of sugar, it’s highly recommended that you avoid rinsing after brushing to allow fluoride to fully work its magic.'
If you’re not quite ready to give up rinsing altogether, you can start by letting the fluoride toothpaste sit for a few minutes before rinsing, or, as the British Dental Journal researchers suggest, minimizing the amount of water used.
