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

You’re supposed to let the toothpaste sit for a bit to allow the fluoride to work, before you rinse.

Using mouthwash before brushing wouldn’t work, because there’s a lot of food particles and bacterial films that prevent the mouthwash from reaching your teeth and doing its job.