Totally get that weird feeling of just spitting and not rinsing—like you’re leaving a toothpaste mustache or something. My ortho said the same about mouthwash, but told me the “spit, don’t rinse” thing actually lets the fluoride stick around longer. Feels odd, but I’ve gotten used to it...kinda like an acquired taste?
Yeah, it’s definitely weird at first—like you’re breaking some unspoken bathroom rule by not rinsing. But your ortho’s right, the science backs it up: leaving that thin layer of fluoride from the toothpaste on your teeth really does help strengthen enamel. I used to rinse right away out of habit, but now I just spit and leave it. Took a few weeks to stop feeling gross about it, but honestly, my check-ups have been better since. If you use mouthwash, just make sure it’s fluoride too—or wait a bit after brushing. Otherwise, you’re just washing all that good stuff away.
I used to rinse right away out of habit, but now I just spit and leave it. Took a few weeks to stop feeling gross about it, but honestly, my check-ups have been better since.
I hear you about leaving the toothpaste on—there’s definitely some evidence for that. Still, I do worry a bit about folks who might have sensitive mouths or issues with swallowing residue. Sometimes, patients tell me they feel uncomfortable or even get a bit of a stomach upset if they don’t rinse at all. Maybe just a quick, gentle rinse with a tiny bit of water could be a middle ground? I know the “spit, don’t rinse” advice is getting more popular, but it’s not always the best fit for everyone’s comfort level.
I’m always nervous about leaving toothpaste foam in my mouth, honestly. Feels weird, like I’ll accidentally swallow it or something. I tried just spitting and skipping the rinse for a week—ended up feeling kinda gross, but maybe I’m just not used to it. Maybe a tiny sip of water is the sweet spot?
Feels weird, like I’ll accidentally swallow it or something.
Totally get that—leaving all that foam in my mouth really messes with my head too. I tried the “spit, no rinse” thing after my last cleaning because my dentist suggested it, but honestly, I kept worrying I’d end up swallowing some by accident. I read somewhere that even a small sip to swish and spit is better than a full rinse, so maybe that’s a good compromise? It’s tough to shake the feeling of not being fully clean though... I guess it’s just a habit thing.
