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

Brushing removes material and exposes caries sites. The fluoride in the mouthwash can then better access the caries and reinforce the teeth. The mouthwash itself cannot remove enough debris.

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Former Listerine engineer