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fluoride toothpaste or rinse - which packs a bigger punch?
I was reading somewhere today that fluoride rinses actually stay on your teeth longer than toothpaste, so they might give you better protection against cavities. But then again, toothpaste has abrasives that help remove plaque and stains, which rinses don't really do. Kinda makes sense when you think about it...but now I'm wondering if using both is overkill or actually beneficial. Anybody have some insights on this?
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I've wondered about this too. My dentist recommended I use both, actually - said the rinse helps strengthen enamel overnight. Personally, I've noticed fewer cavities since adding the rinse. Have you asked your dentist what they think?
The timing matters if you use both. Rinsing right after brushing can wash away some of the fluoride left by toothpaste, so spit out the toothpaste foam rather than rinsing, and use the fluoride rinse at a separate time, like after lunch.