Dentists revealed a mistake with mouthwash: why it should not be used immediately.

According to ТСН: Dentists pointed out the most common mistake that many people make when using mouthwash. Experts explained why it should not be applied immediately after brushing teeth.

Basic oral hygiene rules

Many of us know the basic principles of oral care: brush teeth twice a day, use dental floss and mouthwash, and regularly visit the dentist. However, recently a Reddit user sparked a discussion by asking when it is correct to use mouthwash - before or after brushing teeth.

“My partner and I have been arguing about mouthwash for a long time. I believe it should be used before brushing teeth, and afterwards, one should not rinse the mouth with water. She claims that first you should brush, then rinse with water, and only after that - use mouthwash. Am I strange for using mouthwash first?” - noted the user in their post.

Advice from dentists

Two dentists confirmed that the user’s partner is right.

“Brushing teeth before using mouthwash is the most effective scheme. Brushing removes plaque, food residue, and bacteria, providing toothpaste's fluoride a clean surface to adhere to and strengthen. Mouthwash alone cannot replace this necessary mechanical cleaning,” explained the oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

According to him, using toothpaste with a high fluoride content after brushing teeth may reduce the fluoride concentration if the mouth is rinsed immediately.

“Rinsing immediately after brushing - with water or mouthwash - can wash away concentrated fluoride before it has a chance to work. Therefore, dentists advise avoiding any rinsing right after brushing to allow fluoride to remain on the teeth longer,” added the specialist.

However, mouthwash has its advantages - it freshens breath, reduces the number of bacteria, and helps maintain cleanliness throughout the day.

“Mouthwash plays an important role - it freshens breath, reduces bad odors, and lowers bacteria levels throughout the day. Using mouthwash after lunch or during an active work or study day is a good way to maintain freshness. However, proper brushing at home remains essential,” emphasized the dentist.

When is it better to use mouthwash

Another dentist agreed with the colleague.

“The short answer: mouthwash is better used after brushing, but not immediately. Ideally - at another time of day, so as not to wash away the beneficial components of the paste,” noted the expert.

She also emphasized that mouthwash should not replace brushing teeth or cleaning between teeth.

“Mouthwash plays a supportive role in oral hygiene. Its task is to reach areas that a toothbrush or dental floss may miss and to deliver substances that reduce the number of bacteria, freshen breath, soothe gums, or strengthen enamel - depending on the composition. But it should never replace brushing,” explained the expert.

The correct sequence of actions has a simple logic:

“The principle of the recommended sequence is simple: toothpaste contains active components that protect and remineralize enamel. These substances need time to adhere to the tooth surface and take effect. If mouthwash is used immediately after brushing, it dilutes and washes away most of this protective layer. As a result - you lose a significant part of the long-lasting benefits of brushing.”

Therefore, dentists recommend first brushing teeth, spitting out the remaining paste, and avoiding rinsing with water or mouthwash for 20-30 minutes. Mouthwash can be used at another time of day or before bed - preferably one that contains fluoride.

Additionally, specialists advise brushing teeth before breakfast, as this removes bacteria that accumulate overnight and allows fluoride to create a protective barrier on enamel. Brushing teeth immediately after eating, especially acidic foods, can harm enamel, so it is recommended to wait at least 30-60 minutes after eating.