Why does mouthwash recommend being used after brushing, when it has lower ppm fluoride than toothpaste?

Question

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?

In: Other

Answer 1

What I learn from these dental hygiene threads is that brushing your teeth is a good idea, but nobody agrees on anything beyond that. It’s probably good enough that you’re making the effort, even if the specifics are not optimal.