Tooth Brush and Spit – DON’T Rinse

Since 1999, when John Featherstone PhD published his new data on the mechanisms of Fluoride in oral fluoride mouth rinse after brushing for the express purpose of leaving fluoride on their teeth.  The same concept can be accomplished by merely leaving the residual toothpaste on your teeth.

health, I and many prevention oriented colleagues have promoted the concept that one should not rinse after brushing one’s teeth.  Just spit the excess foam out and leave the residual toothpaste on your teeth.  After all, don’t we tell you the same after your dental appointment where we give you a fluoride application and tell you not to eat or rinse for 30 minutes?  Many folks will use a

If you like to rinse with a mouthwash for other than a fluoride based reason, then I would recommend waiting at least 30 minutes after brushing if you are going to use a non-fluoride mouth rinse.

Is a Waterpik better than Flossing?

Is a Waterpik better than flossing?

They actually have different purposes. Flossing removes plaque (bacterial biofilm) from teeth to prevent it from creating cavities, gingivitis and periodontitis. It is also effective removing irritating and unsightly bits and pieces of food.

 The Waterpik and other oral irrigation devices are excellent for removing food stuff from hard to reach places like periodontal defects caused by periodontitis and the nooks and crannies around braces.  However the Waterpik will not remove the sticky biofilm called plaque and that is what creates the acids and toxins that damage teeth and gums.

If you want to improve your oral health you will need something mechanically abrasive like the floss and toothbrush and other oral health instruments to rub that plaque off.