My grandkids used to go through those rinse bottles like it was Kool-Aid, but honestly, I never bothered with the stuff myself growing up and still have most of my teeth. My dentist just laughs when I ask if I’m missing out. Maybe toothpaste is enough after all...
Fluoride rinse kind of feels like one of those things that got trendy after I was already set in my ways. My mom swore by baking soda and, if she was feeling fancy, a splash of salt. If you brought up mouthwash, she’d say, “Why would I pay for minty water?” I made it to adulthood with most teeth still hanging on, though a couple have called it quits (I blame jawbreakers, not the lack of rinse).
A few years ago, my dentist handed me a sample bottle and said it might help with sensitivity. I figured why not—free is free. Used it religiously for a month. Can’t say I noticed a world of difference except my mouth tasted like a wintergreen forest for half the day. Maybe it helped, maybe my teeth just liked the attention.
My nephew, on the other hand, treats fluoride rinse like some kind of magic potion. Swishes after every snack. He’s got great teeth, but he’s also 15 and hasn’t met coffee or red wine yet. Jury’s out on whether the rinse is the hero or if he just lucked out with genetics.
I sometimes wonder if we’re all just doing what makes us feel better about our teeth. Brushing and flossing seem to get me by, but I’ll admit I keep a bottle of rinse around for when garlic bread is on the menu… just in case. Not sure if it’s science or superstition at this point.
Anyway, I figure as long as you’re not chugging the stuff like your grandkids (seriously, do they think it’s Gatorade?), you’re probably fine either way. Teeth are weird—sometimes they hang in there no matter what you do, sometimes they bail even when you follow all the rules.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’d argue there’s more to fluoride rinse than just superstition or habit. There’s actual science showing it can help remineralize enamel and reduce sensitivity, especially if you’re prone to acid wear (guilty—coffee addict here). That said, I think moderation matters. Swishing after every snack like your nephew seems a bit much, since too much fluoride isn’t great either—fluorosis is a thing, even if it’s rare in adults. For me, I use it a few times a week, mostly if my teeth feel “off” or after eating something really acidic. Never noticed a dramatic difference, but I figure it’s like a seatbelt—maybe you don’t always need it, but it’s nice to have just in case.
I totally get what you mean about moderation, but honestly, I’ve been told by my ortho that with braces, using a fluoride rinse more regularly can be a game-changer. I used to just brush and floss, but once I started rinsing every night, I noticed way fewer white spots and less soreness from brackets. Maybe it’s not super dramatic for everyone, but for those of us with metal in our mouths, it’s kind of a big deal.
That said, I do think swishing after every snack is a bit much. My ortho mentioned that overdoing it can actually mess with the natural bacteria in your mouth, not just cause fluorosis. I’ve found a nightly routine works best—especially if you’re dealing with all the extra nooks and crannies from wires and bands.
I guess it depends on your situation and how your teeth feel. For me, I’d rather err on the side of a little extra protection, even if it’s not always obvious. I’d rather avoid another round of fillings after these braces come off...
