Mouthwash is not beneficial or even harmful: a dentist's opinion

Mouthwash has long been touted as a surefire way to get rid of any germs that a toothbrush and toothpaste can't handle. However, a British dentist has sharply criticized the practice of using mouthwash after brushing because it can wash away the beneficial fluoride in the toothpaste, she says. New York Post.

"Using mouthwash after brushing your teeth can cause tooth decay," London-based dentist Anna Peterson warned in video on TikTokwhich has amassed over 1,8 million views.

In the second video, the expert explains that "the toothpaste you use to brush your teeth contains about 1450 ppm fluoride." It is the ideal concentration for protecting our teeth from the sugars in our drinks and foods.

However, Peterson notes, "The mouthwash contains only 220 parts per million of fluoride," which is not enough to prevent a plaque apocalypse.

As a result, according to the physician, "when you brush your teeth and immediately rinse your mouth with liquid, you simply change all the highly concentrated fluoride to low concentration fluoride." Therefore, your mouth can become a magnet for germs.

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However, Peterson is not suggesting that rinse aid be abandoned forever, but not everyone needs to use it.

“I am by no means against mouthwash,” the dentist explained. - Sometimes I also recommend it to my patients. But not all of them need it. Moreover, I do not recommend them to use rinse after brushing their teeth. "

Viewers reaction

“Okay, it's nice to know that I've done it wrong all my life,” lamented one frustrated TikTok user.

Another noticed something was wrong in the doctor's words: “What? But after cleaning everyone rinses their mouth with water. Does someone leave toothpaste on your teeth? " Peterson replied, “Gargling with water is better than mouthwash. Better yet, just brush your teeth and then spit out the excess, try not to rinse too much. "

Peterson received many responses that showed that people have a poor understanding of the rules of dental care. This prompted her to post a third video explaining how to properly use mouthwash to improve oral health.

When to use mouthwash

“The mouthwash is a fantastic product, but you have to use it at the right time of the day,” the dentist explained.

This should be done immediately after eating, according to Peterson.

She described how the sugar in the food you eat causes acidity in your mouth, which slowly destroys your teeth.

“If you brush your teeth at this stage, you will rub the acid into your tooth,” explains the dentist. - And it will cause tooth erosion. So use a mouthwash to avoid this. "