Many people rinse thoroughly after brushing to get rid of the foam. But doing so can wash away the fluoride that the toothpaste has just left on the teeth.
- After brushing, spit out the excess foam and do not rinse with too much water.
- Fluoride in toothpaste needs to stay on the teeth for a while to protect enamel.
- Avoid eating and drinking for about 30 minutes after brushing.
- Young children need an age appropriate amount of toothpaste and should be taught to spit it out.
A familiar habit for many people is to brush and then rinse several times with water until the foam is gone. Dentists, however, usually advise you to spit out the excess foam but not rinse with too much water, because the fluoride in toothpaste needs to stay on the teeth for a while to protect the enamel.
Why not rinse with lots of water?
- Fluoride in toothpaste helps make enamel stronger and lowers the risk of decay, see whether fluoride in toothpaste is safe.
- Rinsing with a lot of water can wash away the fluoride left on the tooth surface.
- Spitting out the excess and leaving a thin film of toothpaste gives the fluoride longer contact with the teeth.
How to finish brushing properly
- Use a suitable amount of toothpaste and brush for about two minutes.
- Spit out the excess foam and do not swallow it.
- If it feels unpleasant, rinse lightly with one small sip of water and spit it out.
- Avoid eating and drinking for about 30 minutes after brushing so the fluoride has time to settle on the teeth.
When should you rinse?
- Rinse gently with warm saline after a meal when you cannot brush straight away.
- Use a mouthwash as your dentist advises at a different time from brushing, see whether you need mouthwash.
- Rinse with plain water after acidic drinks such as lemon water or fizzy drinks.
What about young children?
Small children easily swallow toothpaste, so parents should use an amount suited to their age and teach them to spit it out, see how much toothpaste a child needs at each age and whether to brush before or after breakfast.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. You can walk in during opening hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first, so the dentist can show you a brushing routine that suits you.
Frequently asked questions
Should I rinse with water after brushing?
Spit out the excess foam and limit rinsing with lots of water so fluoride stays on the teeth. If it feels unpleasant, rinse lightly with one small sip.
Why should I avoid eating straight after brushing?
Because fluoride needs about 30 minutes to settle on the teeth and protect the enamel.
What should young children do after brushing?
Parents should use an age appropriate amount of toothpaste and teach the child to spit it out and not swallow it.