You must still brush and floss twice daily at a bare minimum. "hi doctors! But, if you prefer chlorhexidine mouthwash, here are some tips to keep your teeth healthy: Peter is a dental hygienist in the city of Chicago, IL. In this situation, you should use mouthwash first then brush after. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. This allows the concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste to enter and protect the teeth more easily. Can Antiseptic Mouthwash Replace Flossing. However some people wonder though if they should brush their teeth first or use mouthwash first. You also have to worry else about the growth of bacteria and plaque buildup because the oral rinse can already cover all areas of your mouth. Many dentists claim that toothpastes contain important active ingredients that should not be washed away at the end of the cleaning process. While others look for an oral rinse that promises fresh breath, the most important consideration in choosing a product is its ability to fight tooth decay and scrape off hard plaques. As long as you don't eat the toothpaste and drink the mouthwash it is just fine to do it. Cleaning your mouth with your oral rinse before bedtime will ensure that the active ingredients will work on your gums and teeth overnight. Always read the product’s label, because some mouthwashes are acidic and enamel-eroding. Read on and understand the two schools of thoughts and decide which one will work best to improve your oral health. To use a mouthwash before or after brushing is a debated topic among the dental care community. There are two types of mouthwash: therapeutic and cosmetic mouthwashes. All Rights Reserved for Dental DorksDentalDorks.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliate sites. Mouthwashes are a great adjunct to brushing and flossing, however it is not a replacement for either one. The Cosmetic mouth rinse is commonly used to lessen bad breath, temporarily. Many dentists recommend the use of mouthwash as part of your overall oral health routine. We recommend you use a fluoride-based mouthwash so that you can use it both before or after brushing. Using mouthwash before brushing gives the liquid the ability to break up hard plaque and debris inside your mouth. Doing this would help you keep the active ingredients of the mouthwash from being splashed away. Some dentists claim that using mouthwash before brushing can improve the brushing process by stripping away some of the plaque that has accumulated on the teeth. Some people use mouthwash to fight against bad breath, while others use it to try to prevent tooth decay. It will eventually cause bad breath and gum irritation. “The question of whether to rinse before or after brushing may depend on personal preference.”. Brushing our teeth is one of those routine things we do without thinking much about it. The other side states that mouthwash does little in the short amount of time to loosen the particles and it is more effective to use after brushing in order to thoroughly rinse and disinfect the mouth after the plaque and particles have been cleared by brushing. Upon pouring the contents inside your mouth, make sure to swish the mouthwash around for 30 to forty seconds. Antiseptic mouthwash is the most common type of mouthwash. While not a replacement for brushing or flossing, certain types of mouthwash can provide anti-cavity, germ-killing and plaque-prevention benefits. Brushing with mouthwash alone is insufficient to brush the teeth. On the other hand, many dentists claim mouthwash should be used after brushing because brushing opens the spaces between your teeth and gums and allows the mouthwash to penetrate deeper into these areas. What Are the Risks of Swallowing Mouthwash? It appears that no matter which one you start with, it will also benefit the other. Even though dental health is important, it does not have to be painful and costly. Some contain fluoride which prevents or reduces tooth decay. Using a mouthwash that contains fluoride can help prevent tooth decay, but don't use mouthwash (even a fluoride one) straight after brushing your teeth or it'll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste left on your teeth. Fluoride is known to prevent tooth decay. It usually leaves a pleasant smell and taste in the mouth right after use. Gargle with your oral rinse before you sleep at night. Your mouth needs saliva to keep bacteria levels in check, and reduced salivation means bacteria will thrive and grow unchecked. If you want to get the most benefit from using an oral rinse, wait for at least thirty to sixty minutes before you ingest anything. This allows the concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste to enter and protect […] Those who argue for mouthwash before brushing suggest this practice loosens plaque and food particles, making it easier to remove them by brushing. But it turns out we should be flipping that around to keep our teeth their whitest and … Both are equally effective. Rinsing for around forty seconds is the best way to eliminate bacteria in hard-to-reach spaces. It’s best if you use fluoride-containing mouthwash as well. However, they do not reduce your chances getting gum disease or cavities. If you click on a link on this page and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We try to make dentistry fun. It is best to use mouthwash after brushing your teeth. It helps protect your teeth from cavities and plaque buildup. If you buy a fluoridated mouthwash, use it after brushing. If you brush your teeth first but use a mouthwash without fluoride, the mouthwash can rinse off the concentrated fluoride from the toothpaste you applied when brushing. These are often referred to as whitening mouthwashes. The plaque can produce acids that seep into the rods of the enamel and break down its entire internal structure. But, when is the best time to do it–before brushing or right after? When selecting a mouthwash, try to find alcohol-free ones. While many people take it for granted that mouthwash should be used after brushing, numerous experts including those at a Colorado sedation dentist office disagree whether the best way is to brush or to use the mouthwash first. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of a pre-brushing mouthwash (Plax) improved subjects' oral hygiene over a 2-week period. But, generally speaking, it’s really your call. It slows down the breakdown of enamel which is often caused by plaque found on the surface of your teeth. These contain ingredients that will kill bacteria which causes cavities, gingivitis and plaque buildup. Therapeutic Mouthwashes are often used as saliva substitutes to help neutralize the acid inside the mouth, keeping it moist as well. Mouthwash doesn’t replace brushing your teeth or … But ultimately, it depends on the type of mouthwash you are using. It is best to use mouthwash after brushing your teeth. You can even drink a glass of water if you must take other medications early in the morning. Most of us probably never think about whether we should use mouthwash before or after brushing.