A common domestic dispute over the correct order of oral hygiene has finally been settled by dental professionals. The debate, which began on Reddit, centred on whether to use mouthwash before or after brushing your teeth.
The Reddit Row That Sparked The Debate
The controversy emerged when a user took to the social media platform to confess he and his partner were locked in a "long standing debate" about their mouthwash routine. The man believed in using mouthwash first, followed by brushing without rinsing. His girlfriend, however, was adamant that the correct sequence was brushing first, rinsing with water, and then using mouthwash. He asked the online community, "Am I odd for doing the mouthwash first?"
According to two leading dental experts, the answer is clear: his girlfriend had the right idea, but with a crucial timing adjustment.
Expert Advice: Why Sequence and Timing Matter
Antonio Gagliardi Lugo, an Oral Surgeon at Wellsoon Private Healthcare from Practice Plus Group, stated unequivocally that "Brushing your teeth before using mouthwash is the most effective routine."
He explained that brushing performs the essential mechanical work of removing plaque, food debris, and bacteria. This process creates a clean surface, allowing the fluoride in toothpaste to bond effectively to the teeth and strengthen enamel. Mouthwash is incapable of replicating this fundamental cleaning action.
Dr Lugo issued a critical warning for those using high-fluoride or prescription-strength toothpaste: "rinsing straight after brushing - whether with water or mouthwash - can wash away the concentrated fluoride before it has time to work." This is why the current dental recommendation is to avoid any rinsing immediately after brushing, permitting the fluoride to remain on the teeth for longer and maximise its protective benefits.
Mouthwash's Supporting Role in Your Day
So, where does mouthwash fit in? Both experts agree it still plays a valuable, albeit secondary, role. Dr Lugo suggests that using mouthwash after lunch or during a busy workday is an excellent way to maintain freshness and reduce bacteria levels. However, he stresses that it is no substitute for proper brushing once you are home.
Dr Sandra García Martin concurred with this assessment, clarifying that "mouthwash should be used at a different time of day to avoid washing away the beneficial ingredients in toothpaste."
She described mouthwash as a supportive player in oral hygiene, designed to reach areas that brushes and floss might miss. Its purpose is to deliver ingredients that reduce bacteria, freshen breath, and soothe gums. "It is an adjunct, not a substitute," she emphasised.
The underlying principle is simple: toothpaste contains active agents that need time to adhere to the tooth surface to be effective. Using mouthwash right after brushing dilutes and rinses away this protective layer.
Dr Martín provides the definitive guidance: Dental professionals advise brushing first, spitting out the excess toothpaste, and then avoiding rinsing with water or mouthwash for 20–30 minutes. Mouthwash can then be used later, ideally a fluoride-containing one before bed, to boost enamel protection further.
In short, while mouthwash is useful, timing is everything. To reap the full benefits of both your toothpaste and mouthwash, let the toothpaste work its magic first and treat mouthwash as a complementary step at a separate time.
