My Listerine mouthwash bottle directions says that for best results use twice a day after brushing. My toothpaste has 1450ppm fluoride, whereas the mouthwash is only 450ppm. Won’t using the mouthwash afterwards simply wash away the higher, more beneficial levels of toothpaste fluoride and replace it with lower mouthwash levels? What’s the reasoning for this advice?
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I’m a dental assistant, so feel pretty qualified to answer this after having heard like 20 different dentists over my lifetime explain this daily.
The current recommended advice is floss, then mouthwash (or mouthwash throughout the day if needed), then brush and DON’T RINSE/EAT/DRINK AFTERWARDS.
What we want to happen in this process is to remove anything from between the teeth and slightly under the gums with the floss, rinse it all away with mouthwash, and then brush with fluoridated toothpaste. When you just spit the toothpaste out and don’t rinse, a layer of the toothpaste remains on your teeth overnight/until you eat or drink next. This will help strengthen and remineralise your teeth. Rinsing will wash away most of that toothpaste, even if it is a fluoridated mouthwash because as you say, the ppm is far lower than toothpastes.
I am baffled that the ADA supports Listerine when it’s instructions specify “after brushing”, it just doesn’t sit right with me
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