Dental Expert Advises Against Rinsing After Brushing Teeth

A recent article published on the Daily Mail website by Maria Okanrende has sparked discussion in the dental community about proper oral hygiene practices. The piece highlights advice from a New York-based orthodontist, Dr. Sable, who suggests that rinsing with water or mouthwash after brushing teeth may not be the best practice.

The Controversial Advice

According to the article, Dr. Sable recommends against rinsing after brushing, stating:

“You’re actually not supposed to rinse with water after you brush your teeth… and that actually is true and also that’s why we tell you not to use mouthwash after you brush your teeth.”

The orthodontist explains that toothpaste contains fluoride, a mineral crucial for protecting tooth enamel. By not rinsing, she argues, the fluoride has more time to interact with the enamel, potentially offering better protection against cavities.

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The Science Behind the Recommendation

Fluoride is well-known in dental circles for its enamel-strengthening properties. The article cites another dental professional, Dr. Shyaam Vallabh from Nottingham, who supports the idea of leaving fluoride on teeth for as long as possible to maximize its benefits.

Dr. Sable elaborates on this point, saying:

“When you brush your teeth with toothpaste there’s fluoride in it and the idea is when you brush your teeth your toothpaste stays on your teeth, so that way the fluoride can integrate with the enamel and make sure your enamel is strong and make sure it’s protected.”

Recommended Technique

Instead of rinsing, Dr. Sable advises patients to “spit out” excess toothpaste after brushing. She acknowledges that this might feel unusual at first:

“I know it feels weird for the first time and it feels like your mouth is not clean. But I swear this will help prevent cavities, this will help so much. You’ll get used to it after about a week.”

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Public Reaction

The Daily Mail report indicates that this advice has been met with mixed reactions from the public. Some viewers of Dr. Sable’s TikTok video, where she shared this information, expressed skepticism and a reluctance to change their habits.

One commenter stated: “I will FOREVER rinse after I brush, nobody wants the cotton mouth or weird aftertaste which is why we use mouthwash.”

Another expressed confusion about the practicality of the advice: “So, do we just keep spitting out the toothpaste throughout the day if we [are] not rinsing? Cause there’s no way we swallowing it right? Lol. I’m so confused.”

Expert Opinion and Conclusion

While the article presents a controversial viewpoint that challenges common practice, it’s important to note that dental hygiene recommendations can vary. The Daily Mail piece concludes by mentioning that some individuals have reported positive results from following this advice, with one commenter noting: “I started doing this recently, and I’ve noticed a huge difference! My teeth are so much whiter too!”

As with any change in health practices, individuals are advised to consult with their personal dental care providers before making significant alterations to their oral hygiene routines.