Exact Answer: After About 30 minutes
The three main keys to oral hygiene are:- brushing, mouthwash, and flossing. These three main keys not only help in maintaining oral hygiene but also have several benefits.
One should brush his/her teeth twice a day. Flossing and mouthwash are done using dental floss once a day.
Mouthwash has many benefits besides being a part of a healthy oral care routine. They help in reaching those areas of the teeth where the brush fails to reach.
Mouthwash helps in preventing cavities and gum problems. They also are known for freshening the breath.
It is also known to prevent plaques and their transformation into tartar. They also are best for preventing tooth decay.
How Long After Brushing Can I Use Mouthwash?
| Content of Mouthwasher | Time |
| Fluorides | 15 – 20 mins. |
| Whiteners | 30 mins. |
Mouthwash is also known as an oral rinse. It is used for rinsing every component of the mouth.
The best type of mouthwash is the ones that contain fluoride, which is the most effective and helps in preventing plaque bacteria.
Generally, it is recommended to mouthwash after brushing. It should be done at least once a day. But, it is best to use mouthwash after taking food.
There is some advice that should be kept in mind while using mouthwash. It is essential to check the components of the mouthwash. The right mouthwash must have fluorides, astringent salt, and other such components.
The fluorides help in protecting the teeth from decaying. The antimicrobials destroy the germs thereby preventing bad breath, plaque, and other gum diseases.
The astringent salt is best known to hide the effects of bad breath for some time. The odor neutralizers, as the name suggests helps to destroy the odor-causing bacteria and microbes.
The whiteners help in teeth whitening. They may also have peroxide.
The label of the mouthwash should be carefully checked to check if it needs dilution or not. It is best to use mouthwash only for 1 minute.
The right amount of mouthwash should also be kept in mind. Mouthwashes should not be swallowed because they contain certain toxic components which may cause food poisoning.
While using mouthwash, the mouth should be kept closed. It is advised not to consume any food for at least 20 minutes after using mouthwash.
Mouthwash should not be considered as a substitute for the ideal ritual of visiting a dentist twice a year. It can even never replace brushing and flossing. Hence, each of them is essential.
There is a general sequence in which one must use the three oral care routine:- mouthwash, brushing, and flossing. Brushing and mouthwash are the most important parts, thereby helping in killing bacteria and whitening teeth.
Why Should I Use Mouthwash So Long After Brushing?
Brushing, mouthwash, and flossing should be done following the right steps at least twice a day. It is even essential to use the right products.
Excess intake of sugar may lead to permanent teeth damage. Hence, sugar intake should be limited per day.
Smoking not also leads to severe health consequences but is also detrimental to oral health. In the morning, it is best to mouthwash first and then go for brushing.
Mouthwash before brushing is beneficial as the teeth have been unprotected overnight. Hence, mouthwash cleans the deeper portions of the mouth.
Generally, it is recommended to mouthwash after 20 – 30 minutes of washing. But, in the case of a mouthwash that has a higher content of whiteners, it is advised that the mouthwash should be used after 40 – 50 minutes of brushing.
No mouthwash can suit every individual and his / her problems. Hence, it is wise to see the components of the mouthwash before using it.
Some people might wonder why is mouthwash preferred first. This is because it helps in freshening the breath and killing the microbes. The effect of mouthwash stays up to a longer time.
Besides mouthwash, one should also focus on a healthy balanced diet. Foods with high sugar content should be avoided. Dental checkups should be done regularly.
It is even recommended to change toothbrushes once in four months. These tips and advice should be kept in mind to maintain oral care hygiene.
Mouthwash should be used as and directed by the brand. Hence, the brand label should be carefully read before being used. Some mouthwash has components that on excess usage may lead to staining of teeth.
Conclusion
Mouthwash is as essential as brushing and flossing. Excess use of mouthwash may lead to unwanted problems.
Mouthwash, sometimes, even cleans good bacteria, thereby creating space for new bacteria. It may also hide some deep problems.
Oral hygiene forms an important component of daily routine. It helps in improving digestion besides curing teeth problems.
Some people consider mouthwash as an optional component and substitute it by flossing. But, it should not be ignored that mouthwash has its own benefits over flossing.
An odor and disease-free mouth with shining strong teeth is every individual’s dream. Hence, all the three steps to this dream must be followed regularly twice a day.
Reference
- https://academic.oup.com/jnci/article-abstract/70/2/255/969853
- https://europepmc.org/article/med/8521107
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This article was so helpful. I never realized how many benefits mouthwash has beyond just freshening breath.
I never knew the importance of mouthwash until now! This article was very informative and helpful and I will definitely start incorporating this into my oral hygiene routine.
I completely agree Lisa! It’s great to have a comprehensive guide to maintaining our oral hygiene.
The advice on using mouthwash before or after brushing was fascinating! I had always assumed there was no specific order to it.
I know, right? It’s so interesting to learn about the science behind oral hygiene practices.
It’s great to finally have more information on the different types of mouthwash. I’ve never been sure which one to choose, but now I have a better idea.
I feel the same way, Bailey. It can be overwhelming to choose a mouthwash without proper guidance.
I have to wonder how accurate this information is. Different sources seem to have varying opinions on oral health.
I think it’s always good to take different viewpoints into account. But this article does seem to have valid points.
The sequence of mouthwash, brushing, and flossing was intriguing. I never would have thought that there was an order to follow.
I agree, Gray. It’s good to know the proper steps for maintaining oral hygiene.
I never realized mouthwash had such a specific method of use. I’m glad I stumbled upon this article to get informed.
Yes, this article definitely educated me on the proper way to use mouthwash. It was very enlightening.
Absolutely, Udavies. The specificity of the information in this article is quite valuable.
The article could have been more concise and to the point. There was too much information to take in at once.
I don’t mind the detailed information. It’s better to be thorough when it comes to oral health.
This article was eye-opening, and I appreciate the detailed breakdown of the different components of mouthwash.
I couldn’t agree more, Eden. It’s always good to understand the specifics of what we’re using for oral care.
Absolutely, Eden. This article really touched on everything we need to know about mouthwash.
Who knew there was so much to learn about mouthwash? I’m definitely reconsidering my oral hygiene routine now.
Exactly, Zach. I appreciate the in-depth explanation of mouthwash benefits in this article.