I Just Learned When We're Actually Meant To Use Mouthwash, And I've Never Done It Right

MouthwashFirst, I found out that we’re meant to floss way further up our gums than I expected. Then, learned that you’re not actually meant to “scrub” with your electric toothbrush (oops). And now, it seems I’ve been using mouthwash at the completely wrong time, too.According to the NHS, we’re supposed to wait a long time – even hours – after brushing to swill the freshening stuff. When are you meant to use mouthwash?On their site, the health service explained that rinsing with mouthwash right after brushing your teeth could actually hurt your enamel. That’s because, they stated, using a mouthwash (even one containing fluoride) will wash away the “concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste left on your teeth”.Not only does this mean that you should also avoid washing toothpaste out of your mouth with water, but the NHS added that we “Choose a different time to use mouthwash, such as after lunch”. Yup ― hours after most people first bring out their brush. Owlsmoor Dental Practice agrees, writing “The best time to use mouthwash is mid-morning or after meals and snacks during the day for maximum benefit”. And Holland Park Dental added that we should “Try using your mouthwash at lunch, or when you get home from work or school,” as this is the best way to both protect your teeth and keep your breath fresh.Looks like I have to change my routine...Any other tips?Yes! Apparently, we’re not meant to drink or eat for 30 minutes after using a fluoride mouthwash (I suppose that makes the post-food recommendation make more sense). That’s because otherwise, you risk rinsing the active ingredient off your enamel. Fluoride, which is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, and rocks, has been proven to help protect our teeth from erosion and decay, which is why it’s so important to leave it on your teeth for a while. “Rinsing dilutes it and reduces its preventative effects,” the NHS explained.Related...This Gross Addition To Toothpaste Is Actually Best For Natural Enamel RepairI Just Learned You Should Look For This Number On Toothpaste Packs To Avoid DecayI Can’t Believe How We Brushed Our Teeth Before Toothpaste Was Invented

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I Just Learned When We're Actually Meant To Use Mouthwash, And I've Never Done It Right

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