Do you know that mouthwash is as important in your daily oral hygiene as brushing and flossing? Mouthwash brings multiple oral health benefits that complement brushing and flossing.
But you may wonder what the best time to use mouthwash is. Before or after brushing? Some people prefer to use it before brushing because they think it will remove plaque and food bits. Others use them after brushing to get fresh breath. It’s an ongoing debate.
In this blog, we will help you sort out all the confusion about mouthwash so that you can choose the best option.
When to Use Mouthwash: Before or After Brushing?
Mouthwash is a liquid used to rinse your teeth, gums, and mouth. Every mouthwash has different ingredients and formulas to treat specific needs. For example, some mouthwashes have antiseptic properties that help kill bacteria that breed between your teeth. Others contain fluoride that strengthens the enamel. Cosmetic mouthwashes are primarily beneficial for bad breath.
Mouthwash cannot completely replace brushing and flossing. However, it is beneficial only if used correctly. Therefore, it is important to know the right times to use mouthwash. Scientific research is limited, so there is no hard and fast rule about when to use mouthwash. The American Dental Association (ADA) states that the sequence of mouthwash use, either before or after brushing, does not matter.
Using Mouthwash before Brushing
While there is no direct answer, rinsing with mouthwash offers various benefits. One of its biggest advantages is that it removes plaque and breaks down food particles and bacteria from the surface of your teeth and gums, making it easier to remove them. This leads to a more thorough cleaning.
Moreover, using a mouthwash before brushing prepares your mouth for more effective cleaning. It removes the harmful bacteria and freshens your breath.
However, you must check the ingredients in your mouthwash before brushing. For example, mouthwashes containing alcohol can dry and irritate your mouth. Therefore, always choose alcohol-free mouthwash for pre-brushing use.
Using Mouthwash after Brushing
One primary advantage of using mouthwash after brushing is that it creates an extra protective layer against bacteria and plaque buildup on your teeth. It also cleans the areas your brushing may have missed, ensuring a more thorough cleaning. This is more effective if you have braces, dental implants, or other dental appliances. Moreover, using mouthwash after brushing removes bad odor and freshens your breath.
The National Health Service (NHS) recommends avoiding mouthwash, even if it contains fluoride, straight after brushing. It will wash away the concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste left on your teeth. Hence, there is no need to use fluoride mouthwash after using fluoride toothpaste. You can use mouthwash any time of the day, such as after lunch. However, it is recommended that you not eat or drink for 30 minutes after using a fluoride mouthwash.
Wrapping it up
Based on the information provided, it is better to incorporate mouthwash into your daily brushing and flossing habits. Whether you use it before or after brushing does not matter, but watch for the ingredients. It all depends on your personal preferences.
Katy Cypress Oral Surgery has an expert team to guide you through the best oral hygiene practices. Call us at (281) 667-0607 with any questions. We would love to answer them.