As long as you’re not swallowing it and you follow the directions on the bottle, it seems pretty safe.
I’ve had the same concern, especially when my gums were sensitive after a cleaning. What helped me was sticking to a pea-sized amount and not overthinking it—consistency really does matter more than doubling up. I still get that chalky taste but, like you, I’d rather deal with that than more dental work.
That chalky taste is the worst, but I get what you mean—I'd rather have that than another filling. I actually used to think more was better and would swish for longer than recommended, especially after a deep cleaning when my teeth felt extra sensitive. Turns out, my hygienist said overdoing it can actually dry your mouth out or irritate your gums even more. Have you ever noticed any extra sensitivity when using it right after a cleaning, or is it just the taste that's annoying? Sometimes I wonder if the timing makes a difference too...
That’s a really common question, actually. The timing can make a difference, especially right after a cleaning when your gums are a bit tender. I’ve seen a lot of folks think that more is better with fluoride rinse, but honestly, sticking to the recommended amount and time (usually about a minute) is best. Too much can dry your mouth out or even cause some irritation, like your hygienist mentioned.
Personally, I’ve noticed some people do get extra sensitivity if they use the rinse right after a deep cleaning—sometimes it’s just the taste, but other times it’s because their gums are already feeling raw. If you’re finding it uncomfortable, you could try waiting an hour or two after your appointment before using the rinse. That gives your mouth a little time to settle down.
And yeah, that chalky taste isn’t great... but like you said, it beats another filling any day. Just remember: more isn’t always better with this stuff.
That chalky taste always makes me feel like I just licked a sidewalk, but I agree—better than another filling. I usually wait until after dinner to use the rinse if I’ve had a cleaning, just to avoid that weird zing on my gums. My dentist once said more isn’t better, and honestly, I learned that the hard way with some sore spots. It’s kind of like hot sauce...a little goes a long way.
I know what you mean about the chalky aftertaste—sometimes I feel like brushing again just to get rid of it, which probably defeats the whole point. When it comes to fluoride rinse, my dentist told me once a day is plenty unless there’s a specific issue. I used to think more was better too, but then I started getting those white patches on my gums and freaked out...turns out, that was a sign I was overdoing it.
I also noticed if I use the rinse too soon after a cleaning, my mouth gets super sensitive. Now I wait until bedtime, mostly because that’s when I’m least likely to eat or drink after. Plus, those little bottles can get pricey if you’re going through them too fast. I try to make mine last the whole month—definitely helps the budget. Curious if anyone else has tried switching brands to save money? Some of the store brands taste even chalkier, but they’re way cheaper...not sure it’s worth it though.
