We all know this practice. To maintain the health of your teeth, you should use floss between each tooth and then brush your white teeth with toothpaste for two minutes. Repeating this ritual once in the morning and once before bed is the best way to loosen and remove plaque. But for those who include mouthwash in their oral care routine, it may make you wonder whether it's better to rinse your mouth before or after brushing your teeth. Here, dentists share the best times to add flossing to your daily routine, plus easy ways to maintain your oral health.
Benefits of face wash
Quick use of mouthwash, also known as mouthwash, improves your oral care routine. There are two main types of mouthwash: cosmetic, which is a short-term solution to bad breath, and therapeutic. Medicated rings contain antiseptic active ingredients such as cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine and/or peroxide to help kill problematic bacteria lurking along the gum line for a healthier smile. Although mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing and flossing, mouthwash can reach the spaces between teeth where bacteria live and kill them on contact. Additionally, it reduces the formation of plaque biofilm, a sticky bacterial film that covers teeth and can cause plaque to harden.
Should you use mouthwash before or after brushing your teeth?
You may have heard that using mouthwash after brushing your teeth removes the fluoride toothpaste that protects the remaining enamel after brushing, so brush your teeth first. But it turns out that the best option is to wait 30 minutes after brushing your teeth before using mouthwash to let the fluoride work its magic. the reason? New York City cosmetic dentist Mark Lowenberg, DMD suggests that mouthwash should serve as the "last" part of your oral care routine.
“In general, it's always better to use mouthwash after brushing and flossing more than before because it will help kill any remaining bacteria,” she says. She points out that the sure way to maintain the health of the mouth and gums is to use dental floss, then brush the teeth, then use floss. “Brushing and flossing loosens plaque and mouthwash helps remove it. “If you use mouthwash before brushing or flossing, you are adding an extra step to your oral care regimen.”
For best results, floss first and then brush your teeth for two minutes. After about 30 minutes (you can use this time to get dressed during the day or relax in the evening), Dr. Loewenberg recommends rinsing your mouth with mouthwash for 30 seconds to one minute and then spitting it out.
Why should you avoid mouthwash that contains alcohol?
Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash if possible. Or, if you use mouthwash that contains alcohol, rinse your mouth with water. "This is really important because alcohol can dry out your mouth," Dr. Loewenberg explains. “It can create bad breath and bacteria.” When your mouth is dry and saliva flow is reduced, it becomes more difficult to remove food particles and neutralize acids in the mouth that encourage bacterial growth. Dr. Loewenberg says it's best to use an alcohol-free mouthwash. (Click to see dry face products.)
“Every brand of mouthwash has an alcohol-free version,” adds Irina Kessler, a cosmetic dentist in New York City. "My favorite is TheraBreath. It's a little more expensive than regular Listerine, but it washes off well. TheraBreath contains a patented ingredient that neutralizes odor-causing compounds rather than masking them. Also, the pH is 8.2, which neutralizes acids. Most of the flip side Washes have a lower pH range of 5 to 6. Try: TheraBreath Fresh Breath Mouthwash (purchase it from Amazon.com for $14.57 for two).
Hint. No need for expensive whitening mouthwash. “It doesn't actually whiten teeth,” says Dr. Loewenberg. “Mouthwash is designed to fight bacteria that come from brushing and flossing and helps freshen breath. “It may not stay on the teeth long enough to provide a true whitening effect.” (If you're interested in whitening your smile, click for the best whitening for sensitive teeth.)
How to get the most out of mouthwash
Now that you know how to use mouthwash after brushing your teeth, you can maximize your results, says Jupiter, Florida, dentist Bruce N. Thanks to Lin's clever trick
"The best way to clean your teeth overall is to floss, brush, and better yet, add fluoridated mouthwash to your water tank," says Dr. Lin. "Flossing will remove food, plaque, and tartar. Brushing will remove more debris, but the real secret is the irrigator."
Waterpik is a type of electric flosser that combines water pressure and pulsation to remove bacteria and plaque between teeth and under the gums. Although it does not replace traditional floss, a study published in the journal Continuing Dental Education Summary found that dental water jets remove up to 99.99% of plaque biofilm. “A water pick, sometimes called a dental irrigator, uses pressure to ‘wash away’ debris,” explains Dr. Lin.
To get the benefits, add a small amount of mouthwash to the Waterpik reservoir filled with warm water. Try to use a ratio of one part mouthwash to two parts water (don't exceed a ratio of mouthwash to water of 1:1). Compact model to try: Waterpeak Nano Plus Water Flosser (Buy from Amazon, $59.99).
An easy way to protect your smile
It is a smarter move to use mouthwash after brushing than before. Here are some other simple steps you can take to maintain oral health.
1. Start brush
Instead of going straight to the toothpaste, take 30 seconds to pre-brush your teeth with a dry toothbrush. Non-lubricating bristles are better able to detect and remove sticky bacterial biofilms lurking along the gum line. It reduces plaque formation. A study published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene found this rate to be 58%. Follow a standard tooth brushing routine and then apply fluoride to your teeth from toothpaste.
2. Replace dental floss with dental tape.
You already know that flossing is an important first step in oral care. But it turns out that the type of floss you use (yes, there are different types!) can improve your results. Bottom line: Choose dental tape instead of floss, says Dr. Lin. While dental floss is more likely to break, "dental tape is thicker and wider," he explains. "It will remove more plaque than regular thin floss. Try it for yourself and you'll be surprised. It makes a big difference, and the proof is in your sink when you rinse. One to try. Reach for Dentotape Unscented Wax (Buy at Walmart for $8.21). (Tip: What's flossing? What's left after transferring to the tape? Click to see 10 great uses for floss.)
3. Consider taking probiotic pills
According to a study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, taking special probiotic tablets orally for 30 days reduces plaque by 44%. It also reduces gingivitis by 42% and stops bleeding gums (an early symptom of gum disease) by 52%. These results persisted a month after people stopped taking the pills. The researchers dubbed the bacteria “the good guy, ” S. salivarius , or a special strain of M18 , which is credited with killing S. mutans , the bacteria responsible for respiratory and gum disease. Research has proven nutritional supplements containing M18. FlorCist Oral Hygiene (purchased from Life Extension for $13.50). (Tip: Probiotics are also a great way to improve gut health. Click to learn how to make probiotic-rich yogurt at home.)
Additional ways to protect your smile:
Dentists say these simple, surprising self-care tips can treat gum disease
Explains what you need to know about dry mouth and how to get relief.
Top 10 electric toothbrushes for removing gums
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your doctor before starting any treatment plan.
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