The Secret to a Healthy Smile: Why You Shouldn't Rinse Off Toothpaste with

Dentist Hendrik Felke from Berlin explains that rinsing toothpaste with water after brushing reduces the effectiveness of fluoride. Fluoride is a key component of toothpaste that protects teeth from decay and strengthens and restores enamel. When you rinse the toothpaste with water, most of the fluoride goes down the drain instead of remaining on your teeth for long-term action.

Why Fluoride Is Important for Teeth

Fluoride helps fight tooth decay in two main ways:

1. Antibacterial action: Fluoride inhibits the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay.
2. Strengthening enamel: Fluoride promotes remineralization, restoring lost minerals in tooth enamel and making them more resistant to acid attacks.

Proper Brushing Technique

1. Before you begin brushing, rinse your mouth with water to remove large food particles.
2. Brush your teeth thoroughly with a fluoride toothpaste, paying special attention to all surfaces of your teeth.
3. Use dental floss to remove food particles from between your teeth.
4. Spit out the toothpaste, but do not rinse it off with water. The remaining fluoride will continue to protect and strengthen your teeth.

Fluoride Misconceptions

Some people worry about swallowing small amounts of fluoride toothpaste. Dr. Felke says the concentration of fluoride in toothpaste is too low to cause harm if you accidentally swallow a small amount.

An Alternative to Water

Many commercial mouthwashes do not contain fluoride and are not a full-fledged replacement for fluoride toothpaste. Some simply freshen your breath without providing any protection for your teeth. If you want to use a mouthwash, choose a product with fluoride and use it separately from your toothpaste.

Rinsing off toothpaste with water after brushing is a mistake that can reduce the protective benefits of fluoride. For maximum protection, follow Dr. Felke’s advice: simply spit out the toothpaste after brushing and leave the fluoride on your teeth for long-lasting action. This simple step will help keep your teeth healthy and strong.