TikTok explains why you shouldn’t use mouthwash afterwards

Oral hygiene usually works like this: you brush your teeth, sometimes use dental floss and sometimes use mouthwash. If you keep up with two of these steps it is a sign of the careful person, but all three steps mean that you are serious about your dental health. According to this TikTok, using mouthwash after brushing your teeth isn’t the best idea.

The video was shot by Anna Peterson, a London-based dentist. She suggests using mouthwash after eating or before brushing your teeth, but not after brushing your teeth.

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@annapetersondentalThe explanation you all asked for 🦷 # GetGrafting # dentistry # lgbtq # lifestylechangestartsnow # fyp ♬ Inspiration – WavebeatsMusic

She explains that toothpaste has higher fluoride content than mouthwash. Using mouthwash right after brushing your teeth will wash off the fluoride and reduce your protection from food and drink. The fluoride in the mouthwash cannot protect your teeth from sugar and other harmful substances.

Fluoride is very beneficial for your teeth. It helps rebuild weakened tooth enamel, reverse tooth decay, prevent harmful bacteria from growing, and slow the natural loss of minerals. You want to keep this on your teeth for as long as possible.

Photo by HUIZENG HU / Getty Images

While many people like mouthwash for its convenience, it doesn’t offer the same protection as toothpaste. Mouthwash is a good supplement to keep your breath fresh and prevent various diseases, but it won’t interfere with or disrupt your oral hygiene.

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Another oral hygiene rule to keep in mind is when to brush your teeth. You shouldn’t use a mouthwash before you eat or brush your teeth right after you eat. While using mouthwash before you eat is silly and only makes your food taste like toothpaste, brushing your teeth after you eat is common and can be bad for you. Digestion begins in the mouth, creating an acidic environment that could weaken and damage your tooth enamel.