I totally get what you mean about the neon, candy-flavored rinses—they’re just a bit much for me too. I’ve tried a few out of curiosity, but always end up back with boring old mint. As for the fluoride thing, my hygienist told me the same: spit but don’t rinse after brushing. Apparently, that leaves more fluoride on your teeth to do its job. I used to follow up with a rinse out of habit, but skipping it really does seem to help with sensitivity and fewer new cavities. Not sure if it matters whether you use paste or rinse first, but leaving the paste on longer seems to be the key.
- I actually do rinse after brushing, but with just a little water. I know they say not to, but leaving all that paste in my mouth feels gross.
- Tried skipping the rinse for a couple weeks, didn’t notice a huge difference in sensitivity or anything. Maybe it works for some people, but honestly, my teeth felt the same.
- My dentist told me as long as you’re using fluoride toothpaste and not rinsing with a strong mouthwash right after (especially the alcohol ones), you’re probably fine either way.
- I use a fluoride rinse at night sometimes, but only like 20 minutes after brushing. Not sure if that’s “right,” but it’s what I can handle.
- Those candy-flavored rinses are wild—tried the bubblegum one once and it was like brushing with dessert. Not for me.
- Honestly, I think consistency matters more than the order. Brush twice a day, floss when you remember, and don’t stress too much about the rest.
- Anyone else get that weird dry mouth feeling if they don’t rinse? That’s half the reason I can’t skip it...
Paste or rinse first... honestly, I've always wondered if it really matters as much as people say. My dentist also said the main thing is not to rinse with mouthwash right after brushing, but I’ve actually tried skipping the water rinse too, and it just feels weird. Like, I get that sticky, dry mouth thing some of you mentioned—almost like I need a drink of water right away.
But here’s something I don’t totally get: if you use a fluoride rinse *after* brushing, doesn’t that just wash away whatever fluoride the toothpaste left behind? Or does it just add more? I tried doing both for a while (paste, spit, wait, then rinse), but honestly, I couldn’t tell if my teeth were any stronger. Haven’t had a cavity in years either way.
Is there anyone who’s actually seen a real difference doing one over the other? Or is this just one of those “do what feels right” situations? Sometimes I think these little routines are more about comfort than actual results...
But here’s something I don’t totally get: if you use a fluoride rinse *after* brushing, doesn’t that just wash away whatever fluoride the toothpaste left behind? Or does it just add more?
Man, I’ve asked myself this exact thing while standing at the sink, toothbrush in hand, overthinking my whole nighttime routine. The way my dentist explained it (with a lot of hand waving), the fluoride in toothpaste is a bit more concentrated and sticky, so if you brush, spit, and then immediately use a rinse, you’re kinda diluting the good stuff you just put on your teeth. But if you wait a bit—like, scroll through your phone for five minutes—then use the rinse, you’re just topping up the fluoride, not washing it all away.
Honestly, I tried the “no rinse” thing too, and yeah, my mouth felt like I’d just eaten a spoonful of glue. Not for me. But the science-y folks seem to agree: less rinsing = more fluoride sticking around, which is supposed to be good for your enamel. I can’t say I’ve noticed any superhuman tooth strength, but hey, no new cavities either.
At the end of the day, I think it’s one of those “do what you can actually stick with” deals. If skipping the rinse makes you miserable, it’s probably not worth the hassle. Teeth are important, but so is not hating your bedtime routine.
the fluoride in toothpaste is a bit more concentrated and sticky, so if you brush, spit, and then immediately use a rinse, you’re kinda diluting the good stuff you just put on your teeth.
That’s what I’ve always wondered too. I get the idea of not rinsing right away, but does anyone know if using a fluoride rinse at a totally different time—like, not right after brushing—makes any difference? Like, say you brush in the morning and then rinse with fluoride before bed? I’m curious if spacing it out would help or if it’s just overkill. I’ve tried both ways but can’t really tell a difference, honestly.
