How Long After Mouthwash Can I Drink Water (And Why)?

Exact Answer: After about 30 minutes

Brushing, flossing, and mouthwash are the three golden keys to healthy shining teeth. None of these three can be ignored for having healthy teeth. One should do these twice a day to maintain oral hygiene. Apart from being physically fit, having great oral hygiene is even necessary. Mouthwash is an unavoidable part of oral hygiene as it has the capacity to drive away germs from those deep areas of the mouth where a brush can’t reach.

Brushing is the first and foremost activity which should be done twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. The contents of the toothpaste should be thoroughly checked for knowing whether it contains fluoride or not. If the toothpaste contains fluoride, then one should wait for at least 15-20 minutes and then go for mouthwash lest the mouthwash shall wash away all the useful fluoride components of the toothpaste.

How Long After Mouthwash Can I Drink Water

How Long After Mouthwash Can I Drink Water?

TypeTime
Flouride containing mouthwash30 minutes
Normal mouthwash45 minutes

Using the right amount of mouthwash is even necessary. The appropriate amount of mouthwash to be used is mentioned on the label of the container which varies between 2-5 tbsp. Using mouthwash for the appropriate time is even necessary. One should gargle it within the mouth for not more than 30 seconds. The mouthwash should not be inhaled. It may contain some chemicals which can’t be digested by the body and hence, should always be thrown after use.

One should even use mouthwash at the proper time for the best results. If the mouthwash is used after brushing, then it can help to fight gum problems and diseases. At the same time, it can even help to strengthen the enamel of the teeth. But, if one uses mouthwash to get rid of bad and foul breath at any other time of the day, then there are probably fewer chances of its effectiveness towards other mouth problems. Hence, it is essential to use it in the right amount at the right time.

There are different brands of mouthwash being advertised in the market. One should get attracted by those ads and rather should try to pick the best one of all to suit his/her own demands. All of them basically have the same composition only with some minor changes. Hence, it is essential to check the constituents of the mouthwash from the label. After going through the ingredients thoroughly, one can come to know the purpose it satisfies and if it satisfies their purpose then one can go for it easily.

Mouthwash

Sometimes, people feel a stinging sensation on using mouthwash. This is due to the presence of antiseptic components such as alcohol which helps to fight against the harmful microbes of the teeth. They even have the potential to reach the crevices of the teeth and clean them. If the mouthwash contains fluoride components, it is more beneficial for the teeth.

Why Should I Wait So Long After Mouthwash To Drink Water?

Sometimes, mouthwash even contains fluoride as an additional component along with others. This is beneficial for the teeth as it not only cleanses the teeth but also makes them durable. It even helps to fight the plaque-causing microbes thereby making the teeth ready enough to fight back when they come back. Mouthwash is not recommended for children below 8 years of age. This is because they tend to swallow it which may lead to complications in the digestive tract.

In cases of persons with ulcers in the mouth, they should consult the doctor before using mouthwash. They should even consult the doctor regarding the constituents of the mouthwash which would be perfect for them. The mouthwash should always be chosen properly after consulting the doctor. One should follow the instructions mentioned in the label of the products lest there are chances of complications. Mouthwash should be spitted out after rinsing and shouldn’t be swallowed.

Swallowing mouthwash may lead to problems as they contain components like alcohol which may cause ulcers in the stomach. Hence, proper use of mouthwash by following the instructions of the doctor and those mentioned in the label is even necessary. Mouthwash should not be done before brushing as that would be completely valueless. Brushing teeth should be done first to ensure that the maximum portion of the mouth is cleaned.

Mouthwash

Mouthwash should be done later to remove germs from other portions of the mouth. Apart from. mouthwash, it is essential to brush twice regularly. Mouthwash adds up to the functioning of brushing but can never replace it. Following the advice of the dentist is even necessary.

Conclusion

Following good healthy oral hygiene is as necessary as following a healthy diet. One should even take care of taking other precautions like not taking too much sweet, rinsing the mouth properly after consuming food items containing sugar. Generally, it is advised to maintain a time gap of 25-30 minutes between mouthwash and drinking water. But, one should check the label of the mouthwash for appropriate, accurate, and reliable information.

Frequent dental checks are even necessary to ensure that the teeth have no underlying problems. Using a good brush with fine bristles and toothpaste with fluoride amounts is even necessary. Apart from these, proper mouthwash and flossing are even essential.

Reference

  1. https://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/51/11/3044.short
  2. https://europepmc.org/article/med/8521107

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AboutNidhi

Hi! I'm Nidhi.

Here at the EHL, it's all about delicious, easy recipes for casual entertaining. So come and join me at the beach, relax and enjoy the food.

25 Comments

  1. Thank you for the detailed information about the importance of brushing, flossing, and mouthwash for oral health. It’s always good to know the proper techniques and timings for these practices!

    1. I never realized how important it is to wait after rinsing with mouthwash. This article was very informative!

  2. The explanation about the stinging sensation from mouthwash was very helpful. I never knew why that happens before!

    1. I’ve learned a lot from this article. The section about children and mouthwash was particularly enlightening.

  3. This article covers all aspects of mouthwash use thoroughly and provides valuable insights for maintaining oral health. Well done!

  4. I appreciate the specificity of information in this article. It’s very comprehensive and has answered many of my questions about mouthwash use.

    1. I completely agree, Harrison. This article has definitely increased my understanding of oral hygiene practices.

    2. This is a great resource for anyone looking to improve their oral care routine. Kudos to the detailed and informative content!

  5. The emphasis on not using mouthwash before brushing is a helpful reminder. It’s little details like these that make a big difference in maintaining oral hygiene.

  6. The warning about the dangers of swallowing mouthwash is crucial information. This article has raised my awareness about the potential risks of improper mouthwash use.

    1. I’m glad this article highlighted the importance of using mouthwash responsibly. It’s an aspect of oral care that’s often overlooked.

  7. I found the section about the components of mouthwash and the importance of reading labels to be very insightful. It’s crucial to know what we’re putting in our mouths!

    1. Indeed, Mitchell. Being aware of the ingredients in the products we use is essential for maintaining overall health.

    2. This article has definitely made me more conscious about choosing the right mouthwash. Thanks for sharing this information!

  8. This article provides valuable insights into the proper use of mouthwash. I appreciate the emphasis on consulting a doctor, especially for those with specific oral conditions.

  9. I appreciate the explanation about the right amount of mouthwash to use. This article really helps clear up common questions about oral hygiene.

  10. I’ve always wondered about the timing of drinking water after mouthwash. Thank you for addressing that in detail!

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